(tall cottongrass)
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Photo of Eriophorum angustifolium by Adolph Murie
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Eriophorum angustifolium is an common multi-headed cottongrass species, found from the lowlands to the alpine zone in standing water and seeps, always in association with wet sites in Denali. Plants grow from a creeping
rhizome, up to 100 cm tall. Leaves are dark green,
linear; blades are flat, and triangular at the tip (frequently reddish or withered at the tip). There are 2-3
involucral bracts (leaves near the
spikes), taller than the
inflorescence. The several
spikes hang from flat
peduncles. It is distinguished from other species of cottongrass (actually sedges, not true grasses) by its
rhizomatous habit (instead of forming dense tufts) and having many drooping heads and flat rather than
linear leaves.
Eriophorum angustifolium flowers in early to mid-summer.
Members of the genus
Eriophorum are
monoecious, with bisexual flowers. The flowers are wind-pollinated. Seeds have long bristles attached, allowing them to be wind-dispersed.. This species also spreads vegetatively via
rhizomes.
Alaska Natives traditionally collect and eat the stembases of Eriophorum angustifolium, and would raid vole caches of stored cottongrass rhizomes in the fall. The 'cotton' of this and other Eriophorum species was used as stuffing, as a firestarter, or laid on boils or sores (Jernigan et al. 2015). The Yup'ik used cottongrass stems to make twined socks (King et al. 2005).
Disclaimer for Known Uses.
Eriophorum angustifolium is a widespread circumpolar species, occurring in North America from eastern Canada to Alaska. It is widely distributed in Alaska, from Southeast to Barrow and the Aleutian Islands. In Denali, E. angustifolium is widespread and common, growing both north and south of the Alaska Range crest in the park.
Details are shown in the Plots & Charts found at right, depicting recent Denali data.
Eriophorum angustifolium occurs on a wide range of elevations, and there is not a clear preference for one elevational zone. It is slightly more common on northern aspects, and those populations occur over a wider range of slopes. Plants on southern aspects have a wider range of elevations. It is found equally frequent on many different slopes, from 0 to 34 degrees.
Details are shown in the Plots & Charts found at right. For more on how to interpret these figures, visit Understanding Data Presented.
Eriophorum angustifolium prefers wet soils. It is found in marshes, wet meadows, along the edges of ponds, and on wet slopes.
Wet to aquatic sites.
