Cotton Grass

Cotton Grass (Eriophorum angustifolium) is a perennial graminoid known for its distinctive fluffy seed heads that resemble cotton balls, hence its common name. Native to the cooler regions of North America and Eurasia, this plant thrives in wetter areas such as bogs and marshes. It can be found across a wide range including Alaska, Alberta, and various European countries like Austria and Finland. Known for its edible roots and stems, Cotton Grass is also appreciated for its ornamental value due to the white, cotton-like seed heads that add visual interest to landscapes. This plant prefers light or medium soil types with a pH between 4 and 6.5, making it adaptable in various growing conditions from sandy to clay soils. Its hardiness ranges from zones 4-8, allowing it to survive in both northern and some central regions of North America and Europe.