Woolgrass
Scirpus cyperinus
Last reviewed: July 2026
Scirpus cyperinus (Woolgrass) is a native sedge found throughout eastern and central North America that blooms June through August. This moisture-loving grass thrives in wetlands and provides important habitat for bees and beetles.
The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Woolgrass as toxic to livestock.
Light
part sun
Water
high
Size
24"–60" H × 12"–24" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul, Aug
Native to
AL, AR, CT, DE and 34 more states
Pollinators
bees, beetles
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Cotton-grass bulrush is a tall native sedge that forms attractive clumps with distinctive fluffy, cotton-like seed heads in late summer. This moisture-loving plant thrives in wet soils and bog gardens, producing clusters of white to tan cottony plumes that persist into fall.
Growing Woolgrass
Grow Woolgrass in part sun and high water. Mature plants reach 24 to 60 inches tall and spread 12 to 24 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Woolgrass 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.
- Very tall and can appear weedy
- Requires consistently wet conditions
- Cottony seed heads may look unkempt to some
Wildlife value
The flowers attract bees and beetles during summer blooming. Seeds provide food for waterfowl and songbirds, while the dense growth offers nesting habitat for marsh birds.
Common questions
- Where does Woolgrass naturally grow?
- Woolgrass is native to 47 states across eastern, central, and parts of western North America, from Maine to Florida and west to Montana, Washington, and Texas.
- When does Scirpus cyperinus bloom?
- Woolgrass blooms from June through August, producing distinctive woolly-textured flower clusters that give the plant its common name.
- What pollinators visit Woolgrass?
- Bees and beetles are the primary pollinators attracted to Woolgrass flowers during the summer blooming period.
- What growing conditions does Woolgrass prefer?
- Woolgrass thrives in consistently moist to wet soils and can tolerate full sun to partial shade conditions, making it ideal for wetland gardens and rain gardens.
- Is Woolgrass toxic to livestock?
- The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Woolgrass as toxic to livestock.
- Is Woolgrass HOA-friendly?
- Woolgrass 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 Woolgrass? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz