Tawny Cottongrass
Eriophorum virginicum
- Native to:
- Canada, Labrador, Prince Edward I., United States, Virgin Islands
iNaturalist: © amandammvt (iNaturalist #125716261)
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Cyperaceae
- Genus:
- Eriophorum
- Species:
- Eriophorum virginicum
- USDA Symbol:
- ERVI8
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Graminoid
- Height:
- 90 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- Low
- Bloom Months:
- jun,jul,aug
- Bloom Colors:
- white
Wildlife Benefits
- Bees:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
- Butterflies & Moths:
- ★★★★★ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- birds, small mammals
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- peaty, nutrient-poor, acidic soil
- pH:
- 4.0 - 6.0 (acidic to slightly acidic)
- Drainage:
- tolerates poor drainage
- Moisture:
- consistently moist
- Notes:
- commonly found in bogs and wet meadows
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 60–90 days
- Germination Time:
- 14–30 days
- Notes:
- Seeds require cold stratification for 60-90 days to break dormancy; sow on moist peat surface.
Pre-treatment: Cold-moist stratification for 30 days at 1–5°C (34–41°F).
Source: Claude AI
ORGHPS Germination Guide: Try L. We have no information on this species. We sometimes provide an informed guess about which approach you should try. Let us know what is successful. * grow in pot with no drainage to keep quite moist
Where to Buy
Nationwide Seller
- Prairie Moon Nursery (nursery and seeds)