One plant that I’ve tried to grow for decades are the cotton grasses of the genus, Eriophorum. Actually, fourteen of the sixteen recognized species of bog denizens are North American natives. but all but Eriophorum virginicum are native so far north, they have little heat tolerance, as our trials have shown. Some species are tight clump formers, while others spread wildly by underground rhizomes. Eriophorum is a member of the Cyperaceae family, making them sedge cousins.
We were 0 for 9, before 2023, when Patrick McMillan shared his accession of Eriophorum virginicum from West Virginia, which has thrived for us, and is now in full cotton mode. Eriophorum virginicum (Tawny Cotton Grass) is a clump former, which flowers in May, then in June, forms the lovely cotton-like seed heads. These are right at home in full sun pitcher plant bogs. Not only are they incredibly ornamental, but they have historically been used for stuffing pillows. As you can imagine, the seed are also enjoyed by an array of birds, both those looking for food, and others looking to “feather” their nests. If we manage to beat the birds to the seed, we hope to make these available in the future.
