Cotton Grass, Tall cottongrass

Eriophorum angustifolium

Physical Characteristics

Eriophorum angustifolium is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.6 m (2ft) by 1 m (3ft 3in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 4 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from May to June, 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.

Distribution

Arctic and temperate regions of Europe, including Britain, to Siberia and N. America.

Habitats

Pond; Bog Garden;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Root Stem Edible Uses: Young stem bases - raw or cooked[172]. Usually cooked and eaten with oil[257]. Root - raw or cooked[257]. The blackish covering should be removed[172].

Medicinal Uses

Astringent The leaves and roots are considerably astringent and have been used in the past as a treatment for diarrhoea[4]. Some native North American Indian tribes would eat the stems raw in order to restore good health to people in generally poor health[257].

Known Hazards

None known