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Tawny Cottongrass

Eriophorum virginicum

Last reviewed: June 2026

Tawny Cottongrass is a native sedge found in wetlands across northeastern and north-central United States. It produces distinctive white cottony seed heads from June through August.

Tawny Cottongrass (Eriophorum virginicum)
Photo: Robert H. Mohlenbrock. USDA NRCS. 1995. Northeast wetland flora: Field office guide to plant species. Northeast National Technical Center, Chester. Courtesy of USDA NRCS Wetland Science Institute. / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)

The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Tawny Cottongrass as toxic to livestock.

Light

part sun

Water

high

Size

12"–36" H × 6"–18" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug

Native to

CT, IL, IN, KY and 18 more states

Pollinators

bees, beetles

Tawny cottongrass is a native sedge that produces distinctive fluffy, cotton-like seed heads in summer. This wetland plant thrives in consistently moist to wet soils and forms small clumps of narrow green foliage. The showy seed heads emerge after small summer flowers and persist into fall, adding textural interest to rain gardens and pond edges.

Growing Tawny Cottongrass

Grow Tawny Cottongrass in part sun and high water. Mature plants reach 12 to 36 inches tall and spread 6 to 18 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.

In an HOA neighborhood

Tawny Cottongrass takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

  • Requires consistently wet soil conditions
  • Fluffy seed heads may appear unkempt to some
  • Dies back completely in winter leaving bare spots

Wildlife value

The flowers attract bees and beetles during the summer blooming period. The seeds provide food for waterfowl and wetland birds, while the dense growth offers cover for small wildlife.

Common questions

Where does Tawny Cottongrass naturally grow?
Tawny Cottongrass is native to 22 states across the northeastern and north-central United States, including New England, the Great Lakes region, and parts of the Southeast. It thrives in wet acidic soils of bogs, fens, and marshy areas.
When does Tawny Cottongrass bloom and what do the flowers look like?
Tawny Cottongrass blooms from June through August, producing small inconspicuous flowers that develop into distinctive white cottony seed heads. These fluffy seed heads give the plant its common name and are its most recognizable feature.
What pollinators visit Tawny Cottongrass?
Tawny Cottongrass attracts bees and beetles during its blooming period. While wind is the primary pollination method for this sedge, these insects may visit the small flowers.
What growing conditions does Tawny Cottongrass need?
This native sedge requires consistently wet to boggy conditions and acidic soils. It can tolerate full sun to partial shade but performs best in open wetland areas with high moisture levels year-round.
Is Tawny Cottongrass toxic to livestock?
The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Tawny Cottongrass as toxic to livestock.
Is Tawny Cottongrass HOA-friendly?
Tawny Cottongrass takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

Ready to grow Tawny Cottongrass? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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