Eriophorum callitrix

Arctic cottongrass
Arctic cottongrass growing near Inuvik, Canada
Conservation status
Secure  (NatureServe)[1]
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
Clade:	Tracheophytes
Clade:	Angiosperms
Clade:	Monocots
Clade:	Commelinids
Order:	Poales
Family:	Cyperaceae
Genus:	Eriophorum
Species:	E. callitrix
Binomial name
Eriophorum callitrix Cham. ex C.A.Mey.[2]

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.

Description

Eriophorum callitrix has narrow, grass-like leaves.^[3]

Taxonomy

Eriophorum callitrix was described and illustrated by the Russian botanist Carl Anton von Meyer in 1831.^[2] In his description, Meyer attributed the name itself to the German botanist Adelbert von Chamisso.^[4] The illustration shows a plant with a single spikelet (unispicate) and numerous basal leaves.^[5] As of September 2025^[update], Eriophorum callitrix Cham. ex C.A.Mey. is a widely accepted name.^[6][7][8]

Distribution and habitat

Eriophorum callitrix has a northern circumpolar distribution with a gap in northern Europe. Its preferred habitats include wet meadows, tundra, and calcareous bogs.^[3][9]

Ecology

Eriophorum callitrix is food for migrating snow geese, caribou and their calves.

Uses

The Inuit used the seed heads as wicks in seal oil lamps. Clumps were placed into babies' pants and then thrown away when soiled.

References

1. NatureServe (5 September 2025). "Eriophorum callitrix". NatureServe Explorer. Arlington, Virginia. Retrieved 30 September 2025.
2. "Eriophorum callitrix Cham. ex C.A.Mey.". International Plant Names Index (IPNI). Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew; Harvard University Herbaria & Libraries; Australian National Botanic Gardens. Retrieved 29 September 2025.
3. Aiken, S.G.; Dallwitz, M.J.; Consaul, L.L.; McJannet, C.L.; Boles, R.L.; Argus, G.W.; Gillett, J.M.; Scott, P.J.; Elven, R.; LeBlanc, M.C.; Gillespie, L.J.; Brysting, A.K.; Solstad, H.; Harris, J.G. (2007). "Eriophorum callitrix Cham. ex C.A. Meyer". Flora of the Canadian Arctic Archipelago: Descriptions, Illustrations, Identification, and Information Retrieval. NRC Research Press, National Research Council of Canada. Retrieved 25 September 2025.
4. Meyer (1831), p. 203.
5. Meyer (1831), t. 2.
6. "Eriophorum callitrix Cham. ex C.A.Mey.". Plants of the World Online. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Retrieved 30 September 2025.
7. "Eriophorum callitrix Cham. ex C.A.Mey.". WFO Plant List. Retrieved 30 September 2025.
8. NRCS. "Eriophorum callitrix". PLANTS Database. United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Retrieved 30 September 2025.
9. "Eriophorum callitrix". Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. University of Texas at Austin. Retrieved 30 September 2025.

Bibliography

• Fernald, M. L. (December 1925). "The Identity of Eriophorum callitrix". Rhodora. 27 (324): 203–210. Retrieved 20 August 2024.
• Meyer, Carl Anton von (1831). "Cyperaceae novae descriptionibus et iconibus illustratae". Mém. Acad. Imp. Sci. St.-Pétersbourg Divers Savans. 1: 195–230. Retrieved 30 September 2025.

External links

• Polarhusky.com^{[permanent dead link]}