Eriophoron angustifolium

Eriophorum angustifolium, also known as Narrow-leaved Cotton Grass, grows in wet to marshy areas forming a clump of thin and evergreen leaves. It displays exquisite, pure white, fluffy inflorescences in the summer, resembling frayed cotton. It is best suited to cold climates that promote abundant flowering, along the banks of water bodies or submerged in shallow water. Adorable in bouquets.

Eriophorum angustifolium belongs to the family of Cyperaceae. It is native to northern Europe, Siberia, and North America, and is the only species in its genus that is cultivated. In its natural state, it grows in peat bogs, marshes, wet meadows, and along streams, on acidic soils. The plant reaches a height of 60 cm (24in) when in flower, 40 cm (16in) for the foliage, and spreads up to 40 cm (16in) through its fibrous rhizomes. Flowering occurs in late spring, with insignificant flowers. From June to August, it produces clustered fruits in pendulous spikelets with white and silver bristles measuring 3 to 4 cm (1 to 2in) long. The leaves are 20 cm (8in) long, 2 to 5 mm (0.5in) wide, grooved, pointed at the top, mainly basal. They persist through winter and sometimes have reddish tints.

This Narrow-leaved Cotton Grass is extremely hardy. It requires acidic soil to grow properly. It should be planted in cool to moist conditions, submerged up to 5 cm (2in) in light soil. It thrives in sunny exposures.

The Narrow-leaved Cotton Grass looks stunning surrounded by Siberian irises and works wonders in the border of a waterfall, stream, pond, or basin with its roots easily finding their way through gravel or between rocks, even in seemingly soilless areas. The contrast it creates with scarlet lobelia or purple loosestrife is magical. For a very poetic effect, especially at sunrise or sunset when the light shines through its silky plumes, plant this grass in abundance near a pond or body of water. Create a modern and contemporary bouquet by pairing it with leafless branches from a very dark or black wood.

The Eskimos used the stems, which they believed had invigorating properties, to fix their soles. They also ate the base of these stems and the roots with seal fat.