Closed-sheath cotton-grass

Description

Eriophorum brachyantherum, the closed-sheath cotton-grass, short-anthered cotton-grass or northland cottonsedge, is a species that is a part of the Cyperaceae or sedge family. It is commonly found in wet areas, such as bogs and cooler climate zones. Eriophorum brachyantherum is a perennial monocot with 30–60 cm long stems, 1–2 cm flowers, and 2–4 cm fruit. The root balls are very thick with a fibrous root system.The flower is a single, white, cotton ball-like, feathery flower. In the center of the flower there is an oval shaped fruit that contains short anthers. The fruit is an achene that has scales and is surrounded by perianth bristles. The bristles are extended within the fruit and tend to be silky. This plant grows in grass-like environments and blooms during the summer months of June, July, and August. Eriophorum brachyantherum can be found in water-saturated substrates with high organic matter content. Damp areas with poor drainage such as wet meadows, tundra landscapes, and flood plains are common occupancy areas for populations of this herb.Muskeg swamps are also common environments where this plant is found because of the heavily saturated soil and high organic matter from partially dead vegetation and mosses that occupy the surrounding area. Northland cottonsedge is seldom seen distant from forest edges.