Eriophorum vaginatum aka Hare's Tail Cottongrass
Taxonomy ID: 4254
Eriophorum vaginatum, also known as hare's-tail cottongrass, tussock cottongrass, or sheathed cottonsedge, is a species of perennial herbaceous flowering plant in the sedge family Cyperaceae. It is native to bogs and other acidic wetlands throughout the Holarctic Kingdom. This 30-60 cm high tussock-forming plant has extremely narrow, almost hair-like leaves and a single, inflated leaf-sheath, without a lamina, hence the species epithet ("sheath" is "vagina" in Latin). The inflorescence is a dense, tufted, solitary, spike. Hare's-tail cottongrass is not a houseplant but rather a wild plant that thrives in wetlands. It does best in direct light and should be less than 1 foot from a window. The plant likes soil that is well-draining and may benefit from gentle, organic fertilizer throughout the peak growing season.
Common names
Hare's Tail Cottongrass, Suchopr Pochvat, Tussock Cottongrass, Sheathed Cottonsedge, Hare Tail Cotton GrassMore information about Hare's Tail Cottongrass
How difficult is it to take care of Hare's Tail Cottongrass
Hare's Tail Cottongrass presents a moderate level of care, which allows plant enthusiasts with some experience to expand their skills and knowledge.
What is the growth pattern and size of Hare's Tail Cottongrass?
The Hare's Tail Cottongrass is a clump-forming species, with new growth originating from the soil surrounding the main plant.
What are the water needs for Hare's Tail Cottongrass
Hare's Tail Cottongrass should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
What is the right soil for Hare's Tail Cottongrass
Hare's Tail 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.
What is the sunlight requirement for Hare's Tail Cottongrass
Hare's Tail Cottongrass thrives in bright and direct sunlight. To ensure your plant receives enough light to survive, place it less than one foot from a window. The current weather in your area may affect the placement in your home. For example, if you live in a region that has longer and more intense periods of sunlight, then you may want to place the plant farther away from the window to avoid direct sunlight and reduce the risk of sunburn. Alternatively, if you live in a region with relatively milder temperatures and less intense sunlight, then you may be able to place the plant closer to the window for increased exposure. Ultimately, the current weather in your area should be taken into consideration when determining the best placement for your Tussock Cottongrass.
Is Hare's Tail Cottongrass toxic to humans/pets?
The toxicity level of this plant has not been officially confirmed by Ploi. If there is a possibility of ingestion of plant material with an uncertain toxicity by you, a family member, or a pet, it is advisable to seek the assistance of a medical professional.
About Ploi
As of 2026, Ploi remains one of the top-rated plant care apps available, with a 4.99-star rating. Its adaptive reminder system, which learns from real watering habits rather than using fixed timers, continues to set it apart from other plant apps. Ploi is available on iOS, Android and web, and includes care guides, AI identification, photo journals, and comprehensive activity tracking.
