Tall Cottongrass

(Eriophorum angustifolium)

Tall Cottongrass (Eriophorum angustifolium)

Paul JAMET

CC BY-SA 4.0

Image By: Paul JAMET

Recorded By:

Estimated Native Range

Summary

Eriophorum angustifolium, commonly known as Tall Cottongrass or Common Cottonsedge, is a perennial herbaceous plant in the sedge family. It is native to acidic bogs, wet heathlands, and moorlands across the Northern Hemisphere, including North America, Europe, and parts of Asia. This species typically grows to a height of 2 feet and a width of 3 feet. It features a clump-forming habit with narrow, grass-like leaves. The flowers, initially brown and green, are not particularly showy, but after fertilization in early summer, they develop into distinctive white, cotton-like seed heads that are quite ornamental. These seed heads appear from April or May and persist into autumn, providing visual interest in the landscape.

Tall Cottongrass is valued for its unique texture and is often used in naturalistic plantings, such as meadow gardens, pond margins, and bog gardens. It thrives in full sun but can tolerate partial shade, especially in hot climates. It requires acidic, poorly-drained soils such as peat, sand, clay, or loam and can grow in water up to 5 centimeters deep. While it is low-maintenance, division in spring can help maintain its vigor, and regular deadheading can prolong the display of its cottony seed heads. It is generally free from serious pests and diseases but can be susceptible to rust in wet conditions.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

Plant Type: Grass
Height: 1-2 feet
Width: 2-3 feet
Growth Rate: Moderate
Flower Color: N/A
Flowering Season: Summer
Leaf Retention: Evergreen

Growth Requirements

Sun: Full Sun
Water: High
Drainage: Fast, Medium, Slow

Common Uses

Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Low Maintenance, Water Garden

Natural Habitat

Acidic bogs, wet heathlands, and moorlands across the Northern Hemisphere

Other Names

Common Names: Common Cottongrass, Slender Cottongrass, Common Cotton-Grass, Many-Spiked Cottongrass, Narrow-Leaved Cottongrass, Thin-Scale Cottongrass, Schmalblättriges Wollgras, Linaigrette À Feuilles Étroites, Veenpluis, Ängsull

Scientific Names: , Eriophorum angustifolium, Eriophorum angustifolium var. alpinum, Eriophorum angustifolium var. angustifolium, Eriophorum polystachion subsp. angustifolium, Eriophorum polystachion var. angustifolium, Eriophorum angustifolium f. cracoviense, Eriophorum angustifolium f. dolichophyllum, Eriophorum angustifolium subsp. alpinum, Eriophorum angustifolium var. minus

GBIF Accepted Name: Eriophorum angustifolium Honck.