Cotton Grass

Cotton Grass, scientifically known as Eriophorum gracile, is a perennial plant found in diverse habitats across North America and Europe, from Alaska to Yukon, and from Scandinavia to the Balkans. It thrives in wet environments with light or partial sun exposure, growing up to 0.5 meters tall. Native to regions like Alaska and Alberta, this plant is known for its edible roots and stems, making it a valuable resource for local communities. Its distinctive fluffy seed heads resembling cotton balls are both an ornamental feature and a key characteristic that distinguishes it from other plants in the family Cyperaceae.