Hares-tail Cottongrass Eriophorum vaginatum Ceannbhán gaelach Family: Cyperaceae Flowering April-May. Fruiting May-June. Perennial. Native. Flowers are small, green/brown with yellow anthers. Followed by seedheads covered with white, cotton-like threads. Narrow grass-like leaves. 15-45cm. Common throughout Ireland on acidic bogs and swamps. Illustrated top left. Common Cottongrass Eriophorum angustifolium Ceannbhán Family: Cyperaceae Flowering April-June. Fruiting June-July. Perennial. Native. Longer leaves and cotton than Hare's-tail Cottongrass. Several flowerheads. Common throughout Ireland on acidic bogs and swamps. Illustrated below centre.

     
Hares-tail Cottongrass (E.vaginatum) Common Cottongrass (E.angustifolium)