Contents
Description
Eriophorum Vaginatum, commonly known as tussock cotton grass, is a perennial plant that belongs to the family Cyperaceae. It is found in many wetland areas across North America, Europe, and Asia. The plant’s leaves are long and narrow, and it produces flowers in a dense spike at the end of a tall stem. These flowers are covered in white hairs, which give the plant its cottony appearance. Tussock cotton grass is an important food source for many animals, including caribou, reindeer, and muskrats.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Order | Poales |
| Family | Cyperaceae |
| Genus | Eriophorum |
Appearance
The tussock cotton grass typically grows to be about 30-60 cm tall. It has long, thin leaves that grow from the base of the plant and are usually around 3-6 mm wide. The flowers are produced in a dense spike at the top of a tall stem and are covered in white hairs, which give the plant its characteristic cottony appearance. The flowers are typically around 2-4 cm long and have a greenish-brown color. Tussock cotton grass is a visually striking plant that adds a unique texture to wetland areas.
Care Guide
Tussock cotton grass is a relatively low-maintenance plant. It prefers moist soil and can tolerate partial shade, although it will grow best in full sunlight. The plant is adapted to cold climates and is hardy in USDA zones 2-9. It is not typically grown in gardens, but can be propagated from seed or by division of established plants. Fertilization is generally not necessary, but a light application of balanced fertilizer in the spring can help encourage growth.
Common Pests & Diseases
Tussock cotton grass is not generally susceptible to pests or diseases. However, it can be affected by fungal diseases if it is grown in soil that is too moist. To prevent this, ensure that the soil is well-draining and avoid overwatering.
Habitat
Tussock cotton grass is found in many wetland areas across North America, Europe, and Asia. It is a common plant in tundra regions and is often found growing in boggy areas or near the edges of lakes and streams. The plant is adapted to cold climates and is often found in areas with long, cold winters and short growing seasons. In its natural habitat, tussock cotton grass provides important food and habitat for many animals, including caribou, reindeer, and muskrats.
Question and Answer
Q: Can tussock cotton grass be grown in a garden?
A: While tussock cotton grass is not typically grown in gardens, it can be propagated from seed or by division of established plants.
Q: Is tussock cotton grass susceptible to pests or diseases?
A: Tussock cotton grass is not generally susceptible to pests or diseases. However, fungal diseases can affect the plant if it is grown in soil that is too moist.
Q: What is the hardiness zone for tussock cotton grass?
A: Tussock cotton grass is hardy in USDA zones 2-9.
Q: What animals rely on tussock cotton grass for food and habitat?
A: Many animals, including caribou, reindeer, and muskrats, rely on tussock cotton grass for food and habitat.
Related Plants
- Eriophorum Angustifolium
- Eriophorum Scheuchzeri
- Eriophorum Latifolium
- Eriophorum Russeolum
References
- “Eriophorum Vaginatum (Tussock Cotton Grass).” Plant Library, Chicago Botanic Garden, https://www.chicagobotanic.org/plantcollections/plantfinder/eriophorum_vaginatum–tussock_cotton_grass.
- “Eriophorum Vaginatum.” Missouri Botanical Garden, http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=c748.
- “Eriophorum Vaginatum.” The Plant List, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew and Missouri Botanical Garden, http://www.theplantlist.org/tpl1.1/record/kew-242972.
