Broad-leaved cottongrass (Eriophorum latifolium, Bot. Taschenb. Anfänger Wiss. Apothekerkunst 11: 108 (1801))

Family: Cyperaceae

Author: Hoppe

Bibliography: Bot. Taschenb. Anfänger Wiss. Apothekerkunst 11: 108 (1801)

Year: 1801

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Eriophorum

Vegetable: False

Observations: Europe to Caucasus, Mongolia, N. Korea

Description

Broad-leaved cottongrass, scientifically known as Eriophorum latifolium, is a perennial species belonging to the family Cyperaceae. This plant is characterized by its broad and flat leaves, which distinguish it from other species within its genus. The broad-leaved cottongrass is widely distributed across various regions, flourishing from Europe to the Caucasus, and extending its range into Mongolia and North Korea.

The plant thrives in wet and boggy habitats such as marshes, fens, and wet meadows. Its adaptability to these environments makes it an essential component of such ecosystems. Eriophorum latifolium plays a critical role in maintaining the hydrological balance and supporting diverse wildlife.

Its white, cottony flowerheads are not only visually striking but also serve a vital ecological function. These flowerheads emerge in late spring to summer, aiding in the pollination process. The fluffy, cotton-like tufts are a key identification feature, making the broad-leaved cottongrass a prominent figure in its native habitats.

The historical classification of this plant can be traced back to 1801, as documented in the botanical literature by Hoppe in the “Bot. Taschenb. Anfänger Wiss. Apothekerkunst.” Its scientific nomenclature and botanical characteristics have been studied extensively since then, contributing valuable knowledge to the field of botany and ecology.

Overall, Eriophorum latifolium is more than just a picturesque plant; it is an integral part of its ecosystem, contributing to biodiversity and environmental health. Its presence from Europe to Eastern Asia underscores its resilience and adaptability in various climatic conditions, making it a subject of interest for botanists and ecologists alike.

Common Names

Dan: bredbladet kæruld
Deu: breitblättriges wollgras
Nld: breed wollegras
Eng: broad-leaved cottongrass
Fra: linaigrette à feuilles larges
Nno: breiull, breimyrull
Nob: breiull, bredmyrull, bredull, breimyrull
Swe: gräsull, bredbladig ängsull
Sme: skážerullu
Cym: gwaenblu llydanddail, gwaenblu tuswog, gwlanwair, gwlanwair tuswog, plu’r gweunydd, plu’r gweunydd llydanddail, pluf y gweunydd, sidan y waun, sidan y waun llydanddail
En: Broad-leaved cottongrass
Hy: Կիզխոտ լայնատերև
Be: Падвей шыракалісты
Bg: Широколистна пушица
Ca: Cotonera latifòlia
Zh: 宽叶羊胡子草
Cs: Suchopýr širolistý
Da: Bredbladet kæruld
Nl: Breed wollegras
Et: Laialehine villpea
Fi: Lettovilla
Fr: Linaigrette à feuilles larges, Linaigrette à larges feuilles
De: Breitblättriges Wollgras
Hu: Széleslevelű gyapjúsás
It: Pennacchi a foglie larghe
Lv: Platlapu spilve
Se: Skážerullu
Nb: Breiull, Bredmyrull, Bredull, Breimyrull
Nn: Breiull, Breimyrull
Pl: Wełnianka szerokolistna
Sv: Gräsull, Bredbladig ängsull
Uk: Пухівка широколиста
Wa: Tchitchoûle ås lådjès foyes
Cy: Plu‘r gweunydd llydanddail, Gwaenblu Llydanddail, Gwaenblu Tuswog, Gwlanwair, Gwlanwair Tuswog, Plu’r Gweunydd, Plu’r Gweunydd Llydanddail, Pluf y Gweunydd, Sidan y Waun, Sidan y Waun Llydanddail
: Breitblttriges wollgras

Synonyms

• Eriophorum vulgare (Pers.)
• Eriophorum latifolium var. congestum (Baguet)
• Plumaria latifolia ((Hoppe) Bubani)
• Eriophorum polystachion var. latifolium ((Hoppe) A.Gray)
• Scirpus angustifolius subsp. latifolius ((Hoppe) T.Koyama)
• Eriophorum latifolium var. ramosum (Gray)
• Eriophorum polystachion subsp. latifolium ((Hoppe) Bonnier & Layens)
• Eriophorum polystachion f. latifolium ((Hoppe) Regel)
• Eriophorum pubescens (Sm.)
• Carex alopecurus (Lapeyr.)
• Eriophorum depauperatum (Arv.-Touv.)

Distribution

• Albania (native)
• Austria (native)
• Baltic States (native)
• Belarus (native)
• Belgium (native)
• Bulgaria (native)
• Central European Rus (native)
• Czechoslovakia (native)
• Denmark (native)
• East European Russia (native)
• Finland (native)
• France (native)
• Germany (native)
• Great Britain (native)
• Greece (native)
• Hungary (native)
• Ireland (native)
• Italy (native)
• Korea (native)
• Mongolia (native)
• Netherlands (native)
• North Caucasus (native)
• North European Russi (native)
• Northwest European R (native)
• Norway (native)
• Poland (native)
• Romania (native)
• South European Russi (native)
• Spain (native)
• Switzerland (native)
• Transcaucasus (native)
• Turkey (native)
• Ukraine (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)

Additional Images

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Fruit

Taken Jul 7, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 27, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 7, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 9, 2020 by Franco Colnago (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 9, 2020 by Franco Colnago (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken May 25, 2019 by Régis KRIEG-JACQUIER (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 14, 2008 by Tela Botanica − Alain BIGOU (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 30, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Florent BECK (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 30, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Florent BECK (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 30, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Florent BECK (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Jun 30, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Florent BECK (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 30, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Florent BECK (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 16, 2019 by lora Francesco (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 18, 2021 by Michael Hauser (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 17, 2021 by Reinhard Capadrutt (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Jun 16, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 7, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 14, 2008 by Tela Botanica − Alain BIGOU (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 11, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Genevieve BOTTI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 30, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Florent BECK (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Jun 26, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Jean-Claude CALAIS (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 11, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Marie PORTAS (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 3, 2007 by Tela Botanica − Mathieu MENAND (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 2, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 2, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Jul 15, 2012 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Jul 15, 2012 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Aug 15, 2010 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken May 31, 1850 by Tela Botanica − Herbier PONTARLIER-MARICHAL (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1970 by Photoflora – L’Abbé COSTE (©)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2730210)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:307375-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Eriophorum latifolium Hoppe)

Specifications

Growth

Ph maximum: 8.0

Ph minimum: 7.5

Light: 8

Atmospheric humidity: 8

Bloom months: [‘may’, ‘jun’, ‘jul’]

Soil nutriments: 2