Eriophorum angustifolium - Cotton Grass

Eriophorum angustifolium is an extensively-creeping, perennial, grass-like plant growing from a rhizomatous rootstock; it produces culms around 20 to 114cm tall, spreading widely in suitable conditions. I have mine growing in a pot that is sitting in water. It prefers acid soil at pond margins, in full sun, in water up to 5cm deep. White-hairy flower-heads appears in summer.

Cotton Grass makes a statement in my water garden.

Cotton Grass seeds and stems are edible and are used in traditional Native American cuisine by Alaska natives, Inupiat people and Inuit. The roots and leaves are also edible and, owing to their astringent properties, are used by the Yupik peoples for medicinal purposes.

It has been used in the production of candle wicks and paper in Germany. In Scotland, Cotton Grass was used to dress wounds during First World War.

As these are cool climate plants the seeds need to exposed to the cold for germination. Sow seeds just under the soil and keep damp. Remember these are bog plants. Germination will occur when temperatures reach approx 20C. Seeds are erratic with germination and can take from 30 to 90 days for germination. I recommend starting seeds in pots that are sitting in water.

Also known as Bog Cotton and Tall Cottonsedge.

Seeds currently available.

$5.00 - 15 open pollinated seeds

$4.00 - postage within Australia

Email to order - fascinatingbotanicals@gmail.com

Payment - Bank Deposit or Paypal