The white cottongrass

White cottongrass is a common plant throughout the Alps that lives at altitudes between 1500m and 2700m. It is often found on the edge of marshes, peat-bogs or damp soils rich in organic substances, where it can form thick carpets. Depending on altitude, the plant flowers in July or August. The flowers are very particular; they are plume-shaped and grow on a 30cm tall stem. Each plume consists of a white, furry head that looks very much like a ball of cotton-wool.