Thinleaf cottonsedge (Eriophorum viridicarinatum, Rhodora 7: 89 (1905))

Family: Cyperaceae

Author: (Engelm.) Fernald

Bibliography: Rhodora 7: 89 (1905)

Year: 1905

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Eriophorum

Vegetable: False

Observations: Subarctic and N. U.S.A.

Description

Thinleaf cottonsedge is a remarkable species under the scientific name Eriophorum viridicarinatum. Classified within the Cyperaceae family, this unique plant thrives predominantly in subarctic regions and throughout the northern United States.

Originally documented in the botanical journal Rhodora in 1905, the naming and classification were attributed to the author (Engelm.) Fernald. These details highlight the plant’s rich history in botanical studies and ongoing relevance in ecological research.

Eriophorum viridicarinatum, commonly known as Thinleaf cottonsedge, is distinguished by its slender, grass-like leaves and tufted appearance. The plant typically inhabits wetland areas, contributing to its vibrant growth in moist, peaty soils. Its presence in subarctic zones and the northern regions of the United States makes it a vital component of the local wetland ecosystems.

Due to its specialized habitat, Thinleaf cottonsedge plays an important role in the maintenance of these ecosystems. It provides essential services such as soil stabilization, water filtration, and offering habitat and food resources for various wildlife species. The adaptability of Eriophorum viridicarinatum to cold environments underscores its ecological importance and resilience.

In summary, Thinleaf cottonsedge (Eriophorum viridicarinatum) is a significant plant species with a storied background, exceptional adaptability, and crucial role in maintaining the ecological balance of subarctic and northern U.S. wetland habitats.

Common Names

Eng: thinleaf cottonsedge, green keeled cotton-grass, green-keeled cottongrass, dark-scale cottongrass, green cottongrass, tall cottongrass, tassel cottongrass, thin-leaved cottongrass, thinleaf cottongrass
Fra: linaigrette verte, linaigrette à carène verte
En: Thinleaf cottonsedge, Green-keeled cottongrass, Tassel Cotton-Grass, Tassel cottongrass, Thinleaf cottongrass, Green Keeled Cotton-grass, Dark-scale cottongrass, Green cottongrass, Tall cottongrass, Thin-leaved cottongrass
Fr: Linaigrette verte, Linaigrette à carène verte

Synonyms

• Eriophorum latifolium var. viridicarinatum (Engelm.)

Distribution

• Alaska (native)
• Alberta (native)
• British Columbia (native)
• Colorado (native)
• Connecticut (native)
• Idaho (native)
• Illinois (native)
• Indiana (native)
• Iowa (native)
• Labrador (native)
• Maine (native)
• Manitoba (native)
• Masachusettes (native)
• Michigan (native)
• Minnesota (native)
• New Brunswick (native)
• New Hampshire (native)
• New York (native)
• Newfoundland (native)
• North Dakota (native)
• Northwest Territorie (native)
• Nova Scotia (native)
• Nunavut (native)
• Ohio (native)
• Ontario (native)
• Pennsylvania (native)
• Prince Edward I. (native)
• Québec (native)
• Rhode I. (native)
• Saskatchewan (native)
• Vermont (native)
• Wisconsin (native)
• Wyoming (native)

Additional Images

Fruit

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − USDA NRCS Wetland Science Institute. (public)

Habit

Taken Jul 26, 2015 by EOL − Ben VanderWeide (cc-by-nc)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2730125)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:95767-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Eriophorum viridicarinatum (Engelm.) Fernald)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Graminoid

Growth