The woolgrass is a grass-like aquatic perennial plant, native to wet meadows, marshes, and swamps of eastern North America. The plant got its name from its reddish, wooly spikelets, although the appearance of woolgrass varies depending on the habitat. The Native Americans used woolgrass to make bags and mats.
I. Appearance and Characteristics
Scirpus cyperinus, commonly known as woolgrass, is an emergent wetland herb that is native to the eastern United States and eastern Canada. Other common names include cottongrass bulrush and brown woolly sedge.
Woolgrass is not a true grass, despite its common name; it is a type of bulrush (Scirpus). Bulrushes furthermore are not true rushes; they are types of sedges. This sedge is very variable in appearance. In general, it produces short, tough rhizomes and grows in dense clumps. The fertile stems grow upright. There are five to ten leaves per stem. They are up to 80 centimeters long by 1 centimeter wide. The proximal ones have green or reddish sheaths. The inflorescence has upright or spreading branches bearing cymes of up to 15 spikelets each. The spikelet is cylindrical or oval and measures up to 0.8 centimeters in length. It is covered in reddish, brownish, or black scales. The flowers have six long bristles each, making the inflorescence look woolly.
This plant grows in many types of wet habitat, such as marshes and ponds. It can be found in disturbed habitats, such as ditches.
This plant often hybridizes with its relatives Scirpus atrocinctus and S. pedicellatus.
II. How to Grow and Care
Woolgrass thrives in wetland environments, with care focusing on maintaining moist soil conditions and full to partial sunlight exposure. Special care must be given to ensure consistent soil moisture without waterlogging, as woolgrass is sensitive to dry conditions. Woolgrass exhibits resilience against pests and diseases, making its overall care relatively straightforward for gardeners.
Sunlight
Woolgrass thrives best under full sun conditions, which facilitates robust growth and optimal health. The plant has a tolerance for partial sun, allowing it flexibility in various outdoor environments. Deviations from full sun exposure may result in less vigorous growth and potentially a reduction in overall health. While woolgrass has no special adaptive traits towards light exposure, in non-ideal light conditions, its growth patterns might adjust to seek out better exposure. Primarily found in outdoor habitats, woolgrass should be planted in locations where direct sunlight is ample. Ensuring that woolgrass is situated to receive the preferred intensity and duration of light will promote its vibrant growth.
Watering
Originating from wetlands, woolgrass thrives in consistently moist soil conditions, reflecting its adaptation to environments with high water availability. This species exhibits a preference for regular hydration and is tolerant of temporary flooding. For optimal growth, woolgrass should be watered every week. As an outdoor plant often found along marsh edges, woolgrass has developed a robust root system that’s efficient in water uptake, supporting its lush foliage throughout the growing season.
Soil
Woolgrass performs best in full sun in moist to wet soils. While it thrives in consistently moist garden soil, it can also be planted in shallow standing water to 4 in. deep (10 cm).
Fertilizing
For woolgrass, apply a balanced nutrition fertilizer to enhance growth and plant vigor, particularly during the growing season. Use sparingly—over-fertilization can harm this robust perennial. Deliver fertilizer monthly, in early spring through summer, with a light dose tailored to the plant size. Avoid fertilization in dormant seasons to prevent unnecessary stress on woolgrass. With balanced nutrients, woolgrass will maintain health and resilience. Always water the plant post-fertilization to aid in nutrient absorption.
Propagation
Woolgrass thrives in moist environments and can be propagated through division, which involves separating the clumps into individual sections with roots intact. Carefully split the root ball with a sharp knife, ensuring each new section has an adequate root system and at least one growing point. Replant the divisions promptly in equitably moist soil to encourage establishment. This technique maintains the genetic integrity of woolgrass and promotes quick recovery and growth.
Transplanting
The prime time for relocating woolgrass is in the renewal of late spring, promoting vigorous growth. Choose moisture-rich, sunny locales for optimal establishment. When transplanting, gentle handling ensures a seamless transition to its new habitat.
Pests and Diseases
Needs little care and has no serious pest or disease issues.
III. Uses and Benefits
- Ornamental uses
It is good for erosion control when planted en masse. It is a wonderful plant for the wildlife garden as it provides food and cover for waterfowl and other wildlife. The unusual flowers make it an interesting addition to large water gardens, bogs, or ponds.
- Other uses
Native Americans used this plant for a number of purposes. The Ojibwa people used it to make bags and mats, and the Potawatomi people used it to stuff pillows.
