Eriophorum tenellum

Eriophorum tenellum is a species of flowering plant in the sedge family Cyperaceae.

Description

Eriophorum tenellum is a perennial herbaceous plant that spreads by means of underground rhizomes.

Taxonomy

Eriophorum tenellum was first described by the English botanist and zoologist Thomas Nuttall in 1818.

Distribution and habitat

Eriophorum tenellum is native to eastern North America, from Nunavut in Canada to Pennsylvania in the United States, ranging as far west as Minnesota. In the U.S., it is most common in New England and the upper Great Lakes region.
Eriophorum tenellum is an obligate wetland species. In New England, it prefers bogs, fens, and meadows.

Ecology

Eriophorum tenellum is a perennial flowering plant that flowers in June. After the flowers are pollinated, cotton-like fruiting heads develop during the summer. For example, fruiting occurs during July and August in Minnesota.