Cotton Grass

 

Cotton Grass (Eriophorum angustifolium) is usually a common sight in the wet boggy regions of the forest, but this year appears to have been a particularly good year for it. Remember it, as it's a good indicator that you don't want to be walking where it's growing due the potentially hazardous nature of bog. Although it's called 'grass' it's actually a member of the sedge family. And its uses? Well, its stems and seeds are edible, and its roots and leave have medicinal astringent properties, and it has also been used to stuff pillows and to dress wounds at different times. Most things our here have some use or other, we've just forgotten them. Maybe it's time we began remembering.

Cotton Grass

Cotton Grass (Eriophorum angustifolium) is a common sight in the wetter parts of the forest, whether in vast swathes or smaller patches in isolated hollows, it's a nice plant to see when in flower. Well, that's not necessarily true, it's the pollinated seed heads which are white and fluffy, not the flowers which are quite plain green and brown. Still, it's a lovely plant to see. They're good too, acting as a natural warning. If you understand nature she'll often give clues as to the nature of her terrain and what to expect there...cotton grass means you're likely to get wet if you're not careful. Cheers Mother, I'll choose my path carefully.