Eriophorum

These hardy perennials, commonly known as Cotton Grass, grow wild in boggy places of the Northern Hemisphere. E. angustifolium produces flat, leathery, grass-like leaves from creeping, underground rhizomes. It bears tassels of white flowers that look like tufts of silky cotton, thus the common name. This plant grows up to a foot high. It can be grown on the edge of your water garden, though care must be taken that it doesn't become a nuisance.

Pot Cultivation

Grow this plant in 1-gallon containers in acidic soil, in sun or partial shade. It can be covered with up to 3 inches of water. Feed this plant with an acid-based fertilizer or add peat to the soil.

Propagation

These plants are increased by stolons or division from spring through summer.

E. Chamissonis

VARIETIES

• E. Chamissonis;
• E. vaginatum.