Arctic Cottongrass

Two varieties, Eriophorum callitrix var. moravium Raymond and E. callitrix var. pallidus Hultén, have been described based on the pale brown or yellow scales. They are of very local distribution and could be of hybrid origin.

Plants cespitose. Culms 5–20(–50) cm, smooth or rough distally. Leaves: cauline leaves 0–1, distal leaf usually proximal to mid culm, bladeless or with short blade; blade forming angle with sheath, filiform or trigonous-channeled, 0.4–1.2 mm wide. Inflorescences: involucral bracts absent or present as short blade on distal leaf. Spikelets solitary, erect, globose in fruit, 10–20 mm in flower, 15–30 mm in fruit; scales pale blackish brown, margins and tip hyaline, ovate-lanceolate, thin; proximal empty scales mostly 10–15, appressed to ascending, ovate, 5–8 mm, ribs ± to margins, midrib not reaching tip, apex acute. Flowers: perianth bristles white to very pale brown; anthers 0.6–1.2 mm. Achenes ellipsoid-obovoid, 1.8–2.1 mm. 2n = 60.

Greenland; Alta., B.C., Man., Nfld. and Labr., N.W.T., Nunavut, Ont., Que., Sask., Yukon; Alaska, Mont., Wyo.; Eurasia.

Fruiting summer.

Tundra, calcareous bogs, wet places; 0–2600m.

Eriophorum callitrix, commonly known as Arctic cotton, Arctic cottongrass, suputi, or pualunnguat in Inuktitut, is a perennial Arctic plant in the sedge family, Cyperaceae. It is one of the most widespread flowering plants in the northern hemisphere and tundra regions. Upon every stem grows a single round, white and wooly fruit. The seeds are covered in this cottony mass and usually disperse when the wind carries them away. Eriophorum callitrix has narrow, grass-like leaves. Its habitats include tundra and calcareous bogs.

This plant is food for migrating snow geese, caribou and their calves. The Inuit used the seed heads as wicks in seal oil lamps. Clumps were placed into babies' pants and then thrown away when soiled.