Eriophorum sp.
Cotton grass, Cotton Grass
Family: Cyperaceae · Type: Perennial · Native
Eriophorum sp. (Cotton grass) is a native California perennial in the Cyperaceae family.
How to tell it apart
vs Centaurea: Eriophorum has round smooth stems and sedge-like leaves, Centaurea has branched leafy stems.; vs Taraxacum: Eriophorum has multiple stems from base with cotton on each, dandelion has single hollow stem per flower.; vs Fimbristylis: Eriophorum has 10-25 long white bristles per seed, Fimbristylis has few or no bristles.; vs Bulbostylis: Eriophorum produces showy white cotton-balls, Bulbostylis completely lacks bristles.; vs Bolboschoenus: Eriophorum has round stems, Bolboschoenus has three-angled stems.
Frequently asked questions
Is Eriophorum sp. native to California?
Yes. Eriophorum sp. is native to California (recorded as native).
What plant family does Eriophorum sp. belong to?
Eriophorum sp. is in the Cyperaceae family, genus Eriophorum.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CalPhotos
Last updated 2026-04-14
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.