Eriophorum scheuchzeri aka White Cottongrass

Taxonomy

Genus Eriophorum Family Cyperaceae Order Poales Class Liliopsida Phylum Tracheophyta
Eriophorum scheuchzeri, also known as Scheuchzer's cottongrass or white cottongrass, is a flowering plant in the sedge family. It has a circumpolar and circumboreal distribution in the Northern Hemisphere, ranging from Alaska, across Canada, in the Arctic islands, Greenland, Iceland, and across Eurasia. There are also disjunct occurrences in the Rocky Mountains, high mountains of southern Europe, and on Mount Daisetsu in Japan and some other Asian mountains. The plant is colonial from a long creeping rhizome, with stems that are usually no more than 1 mm in diameter and basal vagina that is stable and brown or reddish. Leaves typically range from 3-12 cm, while spikelets are solitary, erect, broadly ovate to almost spherical, and 8-40 mm in size. The scales of the spikelets can be gray to reddish-green and ovoid, ranging from 4-10 mm. The bright white flowers have 10 or more perianth setae that may have a red tinge, and measure 15-30 mm, with smooth anthers measuring 0.5-1.5 mm. The achenes are narrowly oblong, 0.4-2.5 mm, with a pointed tip. Scheuchzer's cottongrass is a super rare houseplant that requires regular watering and does well in long-lasting, direct light. It prefers well-draining soil and may benefit from a gentle, organic fertilizer during peak growing season.

Common names

White Cottongrass, Dense Cotton Grass, Shealted Cotton Grass

How to care for White Cottongrass

Difficulty

With its straightforward care requirements, White Cottongrass is a hassle-free plant that anyone can enjoy.

Water

White Cottongrass should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

White Cottongrass loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

White Cottongrass requires abundant, bright and direct light. Placing it less than one foot from a window is the best way to make sure the plant receives enough light to survive and thrive. Depending on your region, however, the current weather can affect the placement of the plant in your home. For example, in some areas the sun may be too direct and intense, so it's best to place it farther away from the window. You may also need to adjust your placement according to the season as the sunlight can change intensity over the course of the year. If you live in a region with significant temperature fluctuations, such as a desert, you may need to place the plant a bit farther away from the window to avoid extreme heat or cold. With some care and attention, your White Cottongrass will be sure to bring you many years of beauty and enjoyment.

Toxicity

Ploi does not possess verified information regarding the toxicity of this particular plant. In the event that you, a member of your family, or a pet ingests plant material with an unclear toxicity level, it is highly recommended to seek the advice of a medical professional.

Growth-pattern

The White Cottongrass is a clumping species, with new growth arising from the soil surrounding the parent plant.

More info:
Wikipedia

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More Species in Eriophorum Genus

Eriophorum vaginatum Hare's Tail Cottongrass

Eriophorum scheuchzeri White Cottongrass

Eriophorum gracile Slender Cottongrass

Eriophorum viridicarinatum Green Keeled Cottongrass

Eriophorum angustifolium Common Cotton Grass

Eriophorum virginicum Tawny Cotton Grass