Tawny Cottongrass (Eriophorum russeolum) - Compact (Peat-Free, Pesticide-Free, UK Native)

A compact UK native cottongrass with soft, cottony seedheads that glow above fine grassy leaves in late spring-summer. Smaller than the common species, it suits tight, rain-fed bog gardens and seepage lines (not aquatic). While it isn’t a nectar plant (wind-pollinated), it brings structure and gentle cover at the pond collar; the silky fibres and fine stems are used by wildlife for nesting material and shelter. Flower/seed stems typically 20-40 cm; forms tidy clumps in the right acidic, low-nutrient conditions.

Where it thrives

Light: Full sun to light/partial shade
Moisture/Zone: Bog-edge / seepage / rain-garden margins; constantly wet, acid, low-nutrient mineral loam; do not submerge deep (keep crown at/barely above saturated surface)
Setting: Rain-fed mini-bogs, lined seepage runs, rill edges;

Planting & care

• Use peat-free, acid-leaning mix: mineral loam with sharp sand/grit; top-dress with pine needles/leaf-mould to help acidity; avoid fertiliser

• Best with rainwater or soft water; hard, chalky water will cause decline

• Keep evenly saturated year-round (no drying out); a shallow, undrained planter or lined pocket works well

• Tidy old stems in late winter; divide small clumps sparingly when dormant if needed

Safety (important & honest):
Ornamental use only - do not ingest. Generally low-risk. Keep plant material and soil out of natural watercourses.

Truth-first wildlife note:
A specialist for acid, rain-fed sites. It will sulk on alkaline/chalky soils or if allowed to dry. Choose it for habitat structure and shelter, not for nectar/pollen. If you have hard water and can’t collect rainwater, pick a more tolerant native marginal instead.

Joel says…
“Think rain-fed pocket bog. Keep it lean, wet and a touch acidic, and those little cotton puffs light the edge without taking over.”