Eriophorum

Eriophorum is a genus of flowering plants in the sedge family, Cyperaceae, commonly known as cotton grass. The genus is found in arctic and temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere. Cotton grasses are herbaceous perennial plants that grow in wet, often acidic environments such as bogs, fens, and mires. They are characterized by their distinctive fluffy, white, cotton-like seed heads, which are actually collections of bristle-like structures called perianth bristles that surround the fruit. These bristles aid in seed dispersal by wind.

The leaves of Eriophorum species are typically long, narrow, and grass-like, often arising from the base of the plant. The inflorescences are solitary or clustered, bearing small, inconspicuous flowers. The fruits are small achenes, each subtended by the prominent perianth bristles. Different species of cotton grass vary in size and habitat preference. Some common species include Eriophorum vaginatum, known for its dense tussocks, and Eriophorum angustifolium, which has a more spreading habit. Cotton grasses play an important role in their ecosystems, providing habitat and food for various invertebrates and birds. They are also indicators of wetland health. While not typically cultivated, their unique appearance makes them a notable component of natural bog landscapes.