Arctic Cottongrass

Eriophorum callitrix

Native to:
Canada, Greenland, Labrador, Russia, United States

📍 View on iNaturalist →

Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Cyperaceae
Genus:
Eriophorum
Species:
Eriophorum callitrix
USDA Symbol:
ERCA13

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Graminoid
Height:
50 cm
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
Low
Bloom Months:
jun,jul,aug
Bloom Colors:
white

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:
waterfowl, small mammals
Deer Resistant:
Yes

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
peaty, nutrient-poor, waterlogged soil
pH:
4.5 - 6.5 (acidic to slightly acidic)
Drainage:
tolerates poor drainage
Moisture:
consistently moist to wet
Notes:
commonly found in tundra and bogs

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:
Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
Germination Time:
14–42 days
Notes:
Seeds require light for germination and consistently moist conditions. Best sown on wet peat surface.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI