P h o t o b y U n i v e r s i t y o f T e n n e s s e e H e r b a r i u m ( T E N N )
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Habitat:
Peaty sites, occurring in the mountains in bogs and fens, in the piedmont (formerly) in bogs, in the fall-line sandhills in burned-out pocosins, in the coastal plain in pocosins, acidic seeps, and peat-burn pools (Weakley 1998).
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Species Description:
Perennial grass.
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Phenology:
Flowering Period: Early July to late September.
Fruiting Period: Early August to late October.
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Additional Information at NatureServe
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Diagnostic Characteristics:
The appearance of the infloresence gives this sedge the name cotton grass because the mature spikelets have a perianth (sepals and petals) of bristles that form a dense cottony tuft. In this species the tuft is usually tawny colored. Stems are stiff and to a height of 1 m. Blades are flat and 2-4 mm wide. The foliaceous bracts exceed the infloresence (the flowers) and are unequal.
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Management:
The habitat for this species is very specialized and not likely to withstand much alteration. Grazing or browsing pressure, vegetation/ timber removal, hydrologic changes (i.e. vegetation removal in the vicinity or upslope/upstream, stream alterations) would be detrimental. Disturbance of surrounding areas such as ATV trails, timber removal or any activity that results in increased erosion and weed invasion will be detrimental. Exotic pest plants are a threat to this species and should be removed. Avoid creating access to the site through trail or road construction.
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Global Range:
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Known Kentucky Occurrences:
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