Cotton Grass Eriophorum angustifolium

This perennial sedge is not native to the mid-Atlantic region beginning with Pennsylvania south and also not throughout the southern tier of states.  The plant grows in its native areas (northern tier of U.S. and Siberia) in wet areas such as marshlands, boggy areas, and in very shallow waters, including wet ditches. It can also grow in predominantly wet soil adjacent to ponds and rivers.  It prefers an acidic pH soil, likes peat but also grows in sandy or clay soil and in sun to partial shade. 

It can adapt to its less than native conditions if attention is given to its location, water, soil, and nutrient needs.

The plant can be grown in pots or garden water features in about 2 to 3 inches of standing water. This sedge plant is usually about 12 inches tall though it can grow up to 2 to 3 feet in some areas of the country. It reproduces through both seeds and root spread. It has angular, v-shaped leaves and tassels of white, cotton colored flowers on leafy stems. To avoid the plant spreading, the seeds must be removed before maturity when wind spreads them, and the plant roots divided every two years or so.

Cottongrasses are self-pollinating because the flowers are "perfect", meaning each contains both male (stamen) and female (carpel) reproductive) parts.