Carex scirpoidea, commonly known as Cotton Grass or Cotton Sedge, is a dioecious perennial herb native to a variety of habitats including moist tundra, wet meadows, and the edges of ponds and streams in northern regions such as Norway, Russia, Greenland, Canada, and the northern United States. This sedge typically forms dense clumps reaching 10-60 cm in height and is characterized by its grass-like leaves and distinctive cottony tufts that are actually the plant’s fruiting bodies. The tufts appear white or silvery and are most prominent during the summer months when the plant is in fruit. Cotton Grass is not a true grass but belongs to the sedge family.

Carex scirpoidea is valued for its unique texture and appearance in the garden, particularly in naturalized or wetland areas. It is often used in bog gardens, around ponds, and in rain gardens due to its preference for moist to wet soils. It thrives in full sun to part shade and requires soil that is consistently moist. While generally low-maintenance, it can be susceptible to rust and rot if conditions are too dry. This sedge is also appreciated for its role in habitat restoration and erosion control.CC BY-SA 4.0