Eriophorum angustifolium - Cotton Grass (Seeds)

6 seeds from our gardens.  
 
Eriophorum angustifolium, commonly known as common cotton grass or common cotton sedge, is aperennial species of flowering plant in the sedge family, Cyperaceae. It is native to North America, North Asia, and Northern Europe, it grows on peat or acidic soils, in open wetland, heath or moorland.  The stem is 20-70 cm tall, and has three to five cotton-like inflorescence's hanging from the top.  Cotton grass will spread by both seeds and roots.  Hardy and not frost tender.
 
I have mine growing around the base of my Twisted Willow.  These plants are in a plastic pot (black rubbish bin) filled with soil that has holes a third of the way up and on the bottom.  This pot is then placed into a large decorative container of water.  I would recommond the plant kept in a large container as I have found mine spread quickly.   See second photo.  
 
Cotton Grass seeds and stems are edible and are used in traditional Native American cuisine by Alaska natives, Inupiat people and Inuit. The roots and leaves are also edible and, owing to their astringent properties, are used by the Yupik peoples for medicinal purposes.
 
It has been used in the production of candle wicks and paper in Germany. In Scotland, Cotton Grass was used to dress wounds during First World War.
 
Sow seeds on the surface of potting mix at the start of spring to early summer.  Germination temperature is around 15C.  Water and keep moist.  Seeds take around 3 weeks to germinate.  You are best to sow seeds in the pot you wish to place in the water.  A simple way to ensure the pot stays damp is placing it in a container with around 5cm of water in the bottom.  If required, you will be able to transplant the plants once they are established which should be the following spring. 
 
Also know as Bog Cotton and Tall Cottonsedge.