Bog Asphodel
 
Peatland
     

Plants

Common Cottongrass

Cottongrass common. Click here to view a detailed image.

Common Cottongrass (Eriophorum angustifolium)

Cottongrass or bog cotton is a common sight across the fens and bogs of Ireland. Common Cottongrass is often referred to as multi-headed bog cotton, due to the presence of three or more white, cotton heads per stem. It grows to about 60cm and inhabits shallow, standing water or wet, peaty ground. The long narrow leaves which surround each stem turn from green to red-brown in autumn adding to the bogs overall red hue. Common Cottongrass is widespread throughout Northern Ireland and spreads rapidly in suitable conditions.

Click here to view distribution map. Click here to view a distribution map of the Common Cottengrass in Northern Ireland.

  Common Raised Bog plants Cotton grass - hares tail Top
Environment and Heritage Service logo