Eriophorum consists of evergreen rhizomatous perennials that create expansive clumps of slender, tufted leaves. These plants produce individual or grouped, oval flower heads adorned with black scales and silky hairs, which give way to prominent, fluffy white fruiting bodies.

Eriophorum

Eriophorum angustifolium is a robust perennial that develops numerous clumps of narrow, dark green foliage. In summer, it produces flower heads adorned with white, hairy structures.

Eriophorum angustifolium

Eriophorum angustifolium subsp. angustifolium

Eriophorum brachyantherum

Eriophorum callitrix

Eriophorum chamissonis

Eriophorum gracile

Eriophorum hyperboraea

Eriophorum latifolium is a native sedge distributed in various locations throughout the British Isles. It propagates via rhizomes, forming loose clumps of relatively wide leaves atop triangular stems. The plant produces clusters of yellowish flowerheads, which are succeeded by fluffy, tassel-like seedheads resembling cotton wool.

Eriophorum latifolium

Eriophorum rousseauianum

Eriophorum scheuchzeri

Eriophorum vaginatum is a native sedge found predominantly in the western and northern regions of the British Isles. It is the most compact of the three indigenous cotton grasses, developing dense clumps of slender leaves that grow on triangular stems. Its yellowish, tufted flower spikes give way to rounded seed heads that resemble cotton wool.