Photo: Wolfgang JauchCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Scheuchzer's Cottongrass Plant Care
Eriophorum scheuchzeri Hoppe
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Eriophorum scheuchzeri, also known as Scheuchzer's cottonsedge, is a unique plant with tufts of narrow, dark green leaves that grow in wet, boggy habitats. Its distinctive appearance and ability to thrive in waterlogged environments make it a popular choice for water gardens and pond edges.
Every 2–4 days
Full sun to part shade
50–75°F
60–80%
At a glance
How do you care for Scheuchzer's Cottongrass?
Water Scheuchzer's Cottongrass every 2–4 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to part shade. It prefers temperatures of 50–75°F (10–24°C) and 60–80% humidity. Fertilize it every 2 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Scheuchzer's Cottongrass Native To?
What Is the Scheuchzer's Cottongrass?
Scheuchzer's Cottongrass (Eriophorum scheuchzeri) belongs to the Cyperaceae family within the Eriophorum genus. Scheuchzer's Cottongrass is native to Alaska, across Canada, in the Arctic islands, Greenland, Iceland, and across Eurasia. Scheuchzer's Cottongrass is also known as Alpine Cottongrass.
Scheuchzer's Cottongrass displays a grass-like perennial growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Scheuchzer's Cottongrass produces small, brown spikelets.
Leaf size: approximately 12 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Scheuchzer's Cottongrass?
Eriophorum scheuchzeri requires watering every 2–4 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 2–4 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Scheuchzer's Cottongrass Need?
Scheuchzer's Cottongrass thrives in full sun to part shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to part shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Scheuchzer's Cottongrass Prefer?
Eriophorum scheuchzeri grows best at temperatures of 50–75°F. Scheuchzer's Cottongrass prefers humidity levels of 60–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
50–75°F
Humidity
60–80%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Scheuchzer's Cottongrass?
Moist, acidic peat or boggy soil. Good drainage is essential for Scheuchzer's Cottongrass to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Scheuchzer's Cottongrass?
Feed Scheuchzer's Cottongrass every 2 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 2 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Scheuchzer's Cottongrass?
Divide clumps every 3-5 years. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Scheuchzer's Cottongrass?
Scheuchzer's Cottongrass can be propagated through division, seeds.
Is the Scheuchzer's Cottongrass Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Scheuchzer's Cottongrass, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Scheuchzer's Cottongrass?
Scheuchzer's Cottongrass is susceptible to generally pest-free. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Scheuchzer's Cottongrass Need?
Scheuchzer's Cottongrass grows outdoors in USDA Zone 2a – 6b. It survives winters down to planting zone 2a. Scheuchzer's Cottongrass is native to Alaska, across Canada, in the Arctic islands, Greenland, Iceland, and across Eurasia.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 2a – 6b
Keep exploring plants
Scheuchzer's Cottongrass is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Eriophorum genus — compare its care with other Eriophorum species on PlantoScan.
Eriophorum is part of the Cyperaceae plant family — browse all Cyperaceae genera and species.
Scheuchzer's Cottongrass thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Eriophorum scheuchzeri Hoppe, family Cyperaceae (first published in Bot. Taschenb. Anfänger Wiss. Apothekerkunst 11: 104 (1801)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Scheuchzer's Cottongrass, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Photo: Wolfgang Jauch, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 2a – 6b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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