Fewnerved Cottongrass
Eriophorum tenellum
- Native to:
- Canada, Labrador, Prince Edward I., United States
iNaturalist: © cgbb2004 (iNaturalist #232255268)






Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Cyperaceae
- Genus:
- Eriophorum
- Species:
- Eriophorum tenellum
- USDA Symbol:
- ERTE12
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Graminoid
- Height:
- 50 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- Low
- Bloom Months:
- may,jun,jul
- Bloom Colors:
- white
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- waterfowl, small mammals
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- peaty, acidic, nutrient-poor soil
- pH:
- 4.0 - 5.5 (strongly acidic to acidic)
- Drainage:
- tolerates poor drainage
- Moisture:
- consistently moist
- Notes:
- commonly found in bogs and wet meadows
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
- Germination Time:
- 14–42 days
- Notes:
- Seeds require consistently moist to wet conditions and cool temperatures for germination. Light may enhance 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