Eriophorum angustifolium
common cotton grass
A vigorously spreading perennial forming many tufts of dark green, linear leaves, with white-hairy flower-heads in summer
Synonyms
Eriophorum polystachionScirpus angustifolius
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
1–1.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Poorly–drainedpH
AcidColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Black White | Green | White | |
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H7Botanical details
- Family
- Cyperaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- Yes
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Genus
Eriophorum are evergreen rhizomatous perennials forming spreading clumps of tufted, linear leaves, with solitary or clustered, ovoid black-scaled, silky-haired flower-heads, followed by conspicuous cottony white fruiting heads
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Subarctic & Temp N Hemis.
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in acid soil at pond margins, in full sun, in water up to 5cm deep. See pond plants and bog gardens for further advice
Propagation
Propagate by division in spring
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Wildflower meadow
- Low Maintenance
Pruning
Deadhead regularly
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
May be affected by powdery mildews
Get involved
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