Cotton Grass, Slender cottongrass

Eriophorum gracile

Physical Characteristics

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.

Distribution

Central and northern Europe, including Britain.

Habitats

Pond; Bog Garden;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Root Stem Edible Uses: Young stem bases - raw or cooked[172]. Root - raw or cooked. The blackish covering should be removed[172].

Medicinal Uses

None known

Known Hazards

None known