Common Cotton grass (Eriophorum angustifolium)

Common Cotton grass (Eriophorum angustifolium) is an unusual clump forming British native grass which has attractive cotton wool tops from May to July on mixed green and coppery-red foliage.  The silky white fronds, which are attached to the plants seeds, in the past have been used as a pillow stuffing and for candle wicks.  When in bloom, on a dry day, the fluffed-up heads sway gently on the breeze providing a delightful texture to the pond.    It is evergreen so holds interest throughout the year and is an ideal marginal plant for small ponds or larger ponds in groups.   Plant in sun or semi-shade.Eriophorum erion wool and phoreo referring to silky flower heads; angustifolium narrow-leaved.Height: 20-50cmPlanting position: Pond marginal up to 10cmForm: 9cm (0.5 litre) in a pot or 1 litre in an aquatic basket -please select from “Size” box belowRecommended basket size min./ideal: 1 litre square/2 litre round(Recommended basket sizes are for potting up 9cm (0.5 litre) plants only as these are supplied in solid pots.  Larger sized plants are already in aquatic baskets so can go straight in the pond, however they may need potting up or splitting at some point)