Cotton Grass (Eriophorum angustifolium)

Family: Cyperaceae | Edibility: Edible (2/5)

Eriophorum angustifolium is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.6 m (2ft) by 1 m (3ft 3in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 4 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from May to June, and the seeds ripen from July to August. The species is monoecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but both sexes can be found on the same plant) and is pollinated by Wind.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Shoots, Roots/Tubers

Harvest Seasons: Spring, Early Summer, Late Summer, Fall, Winter

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Young stem bases - raw or cooked. Usually cooked and eaten with oil. Root - raw or cooked. The blackish covering should be removed. — Young stem bases - raw or cooked.; Usually cooked and eaten with oil.; Root - raw or cooked.; The blackish covering should be removed.

Habitat & North American Range

Peat bogs, acid meadows and marshes. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)