Fauna
Plant · GBIF taxon 2730127

Common Cottongrass

Eriophorum angustifolium

Also known as Common Cottonsedge, Bog Cotton, Cotton Grass

Common cottongrass transforms soggy acidic peatlands each summer into white, shimmering fields with its fluffy seed heads. Creeping underground rhizomes bind loose bog peat, helping stabilize waterlogged soil against erosion while providing crucial nesting material and forage for upland wildlife. After inconspicuous spring flowers are pollinated by wind, long silky bristles lengthen to carry seeds across vast distances on gentle breeze currents.

WetlandWind-PollinatedPerennial
Common Cottongrass reference1 / 7
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Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & prey
  • Sunlight
  • Water
  • Soil Minerals
Predators
  • Water Voles
  • Geese
  • Grazing Livestock
ThreatsPeat extraction, wetland drainage, climate warming
HabitatsPeat bogs, acidic wetlands, wet heathlands, arctic tundra
Life spanPerennial
Classification
  1. OrderPoales
  2. FamilyCyperaceae
  3. GenusEriophorum
  4. SpeciesEriophorum angustifolium
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
  • Spring Spotting: Look for understated greenish-brown flower spikes before the white bristles expand.
  • Habitat Protection: Stick to raised boardwalks in peat bogs to avoid crushing delicate bog mats.
  • Seed Observation: Watch the translucent bristles catch breezes to carry seeds long distances.
Related species
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