Tawny cottongrass (Eriophorum virginicum, Sp. Pl.: 52 (1753))

Family: Cyperaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 52 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Eriophorum

Vegetable: False

Observations: E. Canada to NC. & E. U.S.A.

Description

Tawny cottongrass, scientifically known as Eriophorum virginicum, is a species within the family Cyperaceae. This perennial sedge is notable for its striking appearance and its ecological significance. First described by the renowned botanist Carl Linnaeus in his seminal work Species Plantarum in 1753, Tawny cottongrass is distinguished by its cottony, silky inflorescences that lend a unique aesthetic to the wetlands it inhabits.

Geographically, Eriophorum virginicum is native to Eastern Canada extending to North Carolina, as well as the eastern regions of the United States. This distribution highlights its adaptability across varied climatic zones, from the cold climates of Canada to the more temperate regions of the southeastern United States.

Tawny cottongrass thrives in wetland ecosystems, including bogs, marshes, and wet meadows. These habitats provide the moist, acidic soils that are crucial for its growth. The plant’s fibrous root system helps stabilize the soil, playing a pivotal role in preventing erosion and maintaining the integrity of these delicate ecosystems.

Botanically, Eriophorum virginicum features slender, grassy leaves and erect stems that can reach heights of up to 1 meter. The most distinctive characteristic of this species is its inflorescence. The flowering spikes transition into dense, tufted clusters of white or light tawny bristles, resembling tufts of cotton. This cotton-like appearance, which persists into late autumn, is both an adaptation for seed dispersal by wind and a visual hallmark that sets this species apart.

In terms of ecological importance, Tawny cottongrass serves as a habitat and food source for various wildlife, including insects and birds. By acting as a bioindicator, it helps scientists monitor the health of wetland environments. Its presence also supports a higher biodiversity by providing ground cover and feeding resources within its ecosystem.

In summary, Eriophorum virginicum, or Tawny cottongrass, is a plant of considerable ecological value and distinctive beauty. Its presence across the eastern regions of North America signifies the health of wetland habitats and underscores the intricate relationships between flora and fauna in these ecosystems. The plant not only enhances the biodiversity of the areas it inhabits but also exemplifies the resilience and adaptability of wetland species.

Common Names

Eng: tawny cottongrass, tawny cotton-grass, virginia cottongrass
Fra: linaigrette de virginie
En: Tawny cottongrass, Tawny Cotton-Grass, Virginia cottongrass
Fr: Linaigrette de Virginie

Synonyms

• Eriophorum virginicum var. gracile (Torr.)
• Eriophorum virginicum var. confertissimum ((Alph.Wood) Alph.Wood)
• Eriophorum virginicum var. album (A.Gray)
• Eriophorum virginicum f. album ((A.Gray) Wiegand)
• Eriophorum confertissimum (Alph.Wood)
• Scirpus virginicus ((L.) T.Koyama)
• Eriophorum virginianum (Houtt.)
• Eriophoropsis virginica ((L.) Palla)

Distribution

• Connecticut (native)
• District of Columbia (native)
• Illinois (native)
• Indiana (native)
• Kentucky (native)
• Labrador (native)
• Maine (native)
• Maryland (native)
• Masachusettes (native)
• Michigan (native)
• Minnesota (native)
• New Brunswick (native)
• New Hampshire (native)
• New Jersey (native)
• New York (native)
• Newfoundland (native)
• North Carolina (native)
• Nova Scotia (native)
• Ohio (native)
• Ontario (native)
• Pennsylvania (native)
• Prince Edward I. (native)
• Québec (native)
• Rhode I. (native)
• South Carolina (native)
• Tennessee (native)
• Vermont (native)
• Virginia (native)
• West Virginia (native)
• Wisconsin (native)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Jul 22, 2020 by Yannika Poirier-Martin (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 4, 2020 by Andy Sheets (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 17, 2019 by Christiane Forget (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 30, 2019 by Christiane Forget (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 31, 2020 by Randy Pulsifer (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Jul 22, 2020 by Yannika Poirier-Martin (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 29, 2021 by Pau Gui (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Howard, R.A. (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Sep 8, 2013 by EOL − Dan Nydick (cc-by-nc)

Taken Oct 9, 2012 by EOL − Matt Muir (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Aug 8, 2013 by EOL − Scott Schuette (cc-by-nc)

Taken Oct 9, 2012 by EOL − Matt Muir (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Aug 9, 2015 by EOL − Cory “”Chia”” Chiappone (cc-by-nc)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2730250)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:307421-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Eriophorum virginicum L.)

Specifications

Growth form>: Single Crown

Growth habit>: Graminoid

Growth rate>: Moderate

Growth

Ph maximum: 6.5

Ph minimum: 3.8