Chamisso's Cottongrass
Eriophorum chamissonis
Also known as: Red Cottongrass
- Native to:
- Aleutian Is., Canada, China, Finland, Greenland, Iceland, Korea, Labrador, Norway, Prince Edward I., Russia, Sweden, United States
iNaturalist: © matthias22 (iNaturalist #332699520)
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Cyperaceae
- Genus:
- Eriophorum
- Species:
- Eriophorum chamissonis
- USDA Symbol:
- ERCH7
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-rich, moisture-retentive soil
- pH:
- 4.5 - 6.5 (acidic to slightly acidic)
- Drainage:
- tolerates poor drainage
- Moisture:
- consistently moist
- Notes:
- commonly found in bogs and wetlands
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
- Germination Time:
- 14–42 days
- Notes:
- Seeds require cold-moist stratification and consistent moisture. Surface sow as light may aid germination.
The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI
Pre-treatment: Cold-moist stratification for 30 days at 1–5°C (34–41°F).
Source: Claude AI
ORGHPS Germination Guide: Sow @ 20C 6 wks then 4C 6 wks then slowly raise to 10C 6 wks. Repeat if no germination. Requires soaking 24-48 hrs; discard floaters.