tussock cottongrass, Eriophorum vaginatum

Species

tussock cottongrass

Eriophorum vaginatum

Eriophorum vaginatum, commonly known as Hare's-tail Cottongrass or Sheathed Cottongrass, is a perennial, sedge-like plant native to arctic, subarctic, and temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere. It is characterized by its distinctive cottony white seed heads, which appear in spring and summer, resembling cotton tufts. This tussock-forming plant typically grows in bogs, fens, wet heaths, and moist tundra, preferring acidic, nutrient-poor, and constantly saturated soils. It plays an important ecological role in peatland ecosystems, contributing to peat formation and providing habitat.

	Category	Details
	Plant Type	Perennial plant
	Duration to maturity	2 years to harvest
	Estimated Plant Lifespan	25 years lifespan
	Sun Requirements	6+ hours direct sunlight (Full Sun)
	Pollination	Method: wind Notes: Eriophorum vaginatum, like many sedges, relies on wind for pollination, dispersing its pollen widely to other plants.
	Watering Requirements	Method: constant saturation Frequency: daily Notes: Requires consistently wet to saturated soil conditions, mimicking its natural bog and fen habitats. The soil should never be allowed to dry out.
	Humidity Requirements	Level: high Maintenance: Naturally high in bog environments; in cultivation, maintain saturated soil and consider placement near water features or in a bog garden.
	Care Instructions	Plant in full sun in a consistently saturated, acidic, nutrient-poor soil mix (e.g., sphagnum peat moss). Ideal for bog gardens, pond margins, or containers with no drainage holes to retain water. Ensure soil never dries out. It is very cold hardy and requires minimal care once established, beyond maintaining its specific environmental conditions.
	Temperature Range	Min: -45°C Max: 25°C
	Alternative Names	dense cotton-grass, Hare's-tail Cottongrass, tussock cottonsedge

Cultivars

We don't have any suppliers listed for this plant yet.

round-leaved sundew

Drosera rotundifolia

Both thrive in nutrient-poor, acidic, and consistently wet bog conditions. The sundew can benefit from the microclimate created by the cottongrass tussocks, and they create a visually appealing and ecologically appropriate wetland planting.

American Cranberry

Vaccinium macrocarpon

Cranberries also prefer acidic, wet, boggy soils and full sun. They can co-exist happily, forming a naturalistic bog garden environment.

common reed

Phragmites australis

In disturbed or more nutrient-rich wetland environments, Common Reed can be highly competitive and outcompete native bog species like Eriophorum vaginatum.

broadleaf cattail

Typha latifolia

Cattails are vigorous wetland plants that can quickly colonize and dominate saturated areas, potentially outcompeting less aggressive bog species.

Aphids

While generally robust, Eriophorum vaginatum may occasionally be susceptible to generalist pests like aphids, especially on new growth, though severe infestations are rare.

Fungal Rusts

In continuously damp conditions, like those preferred by cottongrass, some fungal rust diseases could potentially occur, though specific rusts are not commonly cited for this species.

Steps:

- Collect mature seeds from the cottony white seed heads in late summer or early fall when they are fully developed and fluffy.
- Provide cold stratification for seeds. This can be achieved by storing them in a refrigerator with moist sand or peat for 8-12 weeks to mimic winter conditions.
- In early spring, sow the stratified seeds on the surface of a moist, acidic potting mix (e.g., a mix of peat moss and sand). Do not cover the seeds, as they require light for germination.
- Keep the soil consistently saturated, ideally by placing the planting tray in a shallow pan of water to maintain bog-like conditions.
- Germination can be slow and erratic. Provide warmth (around 18-24°C or 65-75°F) during the day and cooler temperatures at night.
- Once seedlings are large enough to handle, carefully transplant them into a bog garden or suitable containers designed for wetland plants.

Sphagnum Peat Moss

Essential for creating the acidic, nutrient-poor, and highly water-retentive soil conditions that Eriophorum vaginatum requires for optimal growth in cultivated settings.

Coarse Sand or Perlite

Can be mixed with peat moss to improve aeration and drainage slightly while still maintaining moisture, which is important for preventing root rot in perpetually wet conditions.

Bog Garden Liner

For constructing artificial bog gardens to maintain the specific water levels and acidic soil conditions necessary for cottongrass and other bog plants.

tussock cottongrass

Description

Cultivars

Companion Plants

Competitor Plants

Common Pests

Propagation Information

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