tall cottongrass
Eriophorum angustifolium
USDA zones3 to 8
SunHandles full sun to partial sun
WaterHandles dry or moist or wet soil
Size1 to 3 feet tall1 to 3 feet wide
- Growth rate
- Rapid
- Habit
- Grass/grass-like
- Bloom season
- Spring, summer, autumn, winter
- Bloom color
- Not applicable
- Foliage color
- Green
- Soil types
- Sand, loam, clay
- Soil pH
- Acid
Garden uses
Notes
Tall cottongrass (Eriophorum angustifolium) is a grass for rain gardens, containers, and low maintenance spots. It is hardy to USDA zone 3, or down to -40°F (-40°C). This plant likes full or part sun and dry to wet, sandy, loamy, or clay soil. It forms wide patches of erect stems with grass-like leaves. Each stem is topped by a cluster of 2 to 8 white, cottony heads. The cotton bristles are modified sepals and petals of tiny flowers.
Pairs well with Cinnamon fern, Sensitive fern, and Mini Skirt hosta.
Native range
AK, CO, IA, ID, and 21 more places. See all 25
AK, CO, IA, ID, IL, IN, ME, MI, MN, MT, NC, ND, NE, NH, NM, NY, OR, SD, TN, VT, WA, WI, WY; NB, NS, and PE.