Cotton Grass, Slender cottongrass
Eriophorum gracile
Family: Cyperaceae
What it is like
Eriophorum gracile is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.5 m (1ft 8in). It is in flower from June to July, and the seeds ripen from July to August. The species is monoecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but both sexes can be found on the same plant) and is pollinated by Wind. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and can grow in heavy clay soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid soils and can grow in very acid soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers wet soil and can grow in water.
Height (m): 0.5
Where it is found
Rare and local in wet acid bogs.
Central and northern Europe, including Britain.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 2
Young stem bases - raw or cooked. Root - raw or cooked. The blackish covering should be removed.
Root: includes bulbs, corms, tubers, rhizomes etc.
Stem: this often intergrades into leaves.
Medicine
Rating: 0
Other
Rating:
The cottony seed hairs are used to make candle wicks. They are also used for stuffing pillows, paper making etc and as a tinder.
Paper: Related to the entry for Fibre, these plants have been specifically mentioned for paper making.
Stuffing: Used in making soft toys, mattresses, pillows etc.
Tinder: Used for starting fires. See also Kindling.
Wick: Used as a wick for candles, lamps etc.
How it is grown
Requires boggy conditions or a pond margin and an acid soil. Grows well in heavy clay soils. Quite invasive.
Propagating it: Seed - sow in situ in spring in a moist soil in light shade. Germination usually takes place within 2 - 6 weeks at 15°c. If the seed is in short supply it can be sown in pots in a cold frame. Place the pots in a try of water to keep the compost moist. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in the summer. Division in spring or autumn. Very easy, the divisions can be replanted direct into their permanent positions.
Best place to grow: Pond; Bog Garden;
Habit: Perennial
Hardiness: 0-0
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Wet, water