Eriophorum angustifolium
Narrow-leaved cottongrass
Common names: Cotton grass
Photo: W. Bulach · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Source
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Description
Narrow-leaved cottongrass (Eriophorum angustifolium) is a native sedge that grows in moors and wet meadows. From mid‑May (week 20) it displays its characteristic white cottony seed heads. The plant has slender, grass‑like leaves that form loose clumps, and its fluffy fruiting heads provide a striking contrast to the dark green of wetland vegetation. It is non‑poisonous and suitable for naturalistic gardens with children. The species requires permanently moist, acidic, and lime‑free soil, making it best suited for bog or wetland beds rather than ordinary perennial beds.
Care instructions
Keep the root zone constantly wet; the plant should never dry out. Ideal locations are a bog bed or the damp zone around a pond. Use only lime‑free, peat‑free to acidic substrate, such as a mix of sand and bark humus. Water with rainwater rather than tap water to maintain the acidic environment. In spring, enjoy the white cotton heads; dead flower heads can be trimmed away. A late‑winter leaf cutback keeps the clump compact and encourages new growth.
Soil & site
Soil pH
Soil type
moist, humus-rich, sandy, lean, lime-avoiding
Feeding
Light feeder
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