Tufted White Cotton Grass

Featured in Gorgeous Flower Cards – July 15, 2009

Characteristics: Perennial growing to 0.6m by 1m . It is hardy to zone 4 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from May to June, and the seeds ripen from July to August. The flowers are monoecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but both sexes can be found on the same plant) and are pollinated by Wind. We rate it 2 out of 5 for usefulness.

The plant prefers light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and can grow in heavy clay soil. The plant prefers acid soils and can grow in very acid soil. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It requires wet soil and can grow in water.
Habitat: Pond, Bog Garden.
The root and stem are edible. The leaves and roots are considerably astringent and have been used in the past as a treatment for diarrhea.

Some native North American Indian tribes would eat the stems raw in order to restore good health to people in generally poor health. The cottony seed hairs are used to make candle wicks. They are also used for stuffing pillows, paper making etc and as a tinder. Experiments have been made in using the hairs as a cotton substitute, but they are more brittle than cotton and do not bear twisting so well.
The dried leaves and stems have been woven into soft mats or covers.