Definition

Noun 1. A type of sedge plant: "Cotton rush" refers to any plant belonging to the genus Eriophorum, commonly known as cotton grass. These are perennial plants found in bogs and wetlands in north temperate regions. They are characterized by their distinctive, fluffy, cotton-like white seed heads that appear in tufted spikes.

Examples

• The wet meadow was dotted with the white tufts of cotton rush.
• Botanists study cotton rush to understand peatland ecosystems.
• The fluffy heads of cotton rush are a familiar sight in northern bogs.

Advanced Usage

• The term is primarily used in botanical and ecological contexts to describe these specific wetland plants. It can also be used in descriptive nature writing.
• "A stand of cotton rush": Refers to a group or patch of these plants growing together.
  • A stand of cotton rush indicated the boggy nature of the soil.

Variants and Related Words

• Cotton grass: This is the more common common name for plants in the genus . "Cotton rush" and "cotton grass" are often used interchangeably.
• Eriophorum (n): The scientific genus name for cotton rush/cotton grass.

Synonyms

• Cotton grass
• Bog cotton (regional)

Notes on Meaning

• Despite the word "rush" in its name, cotton rush is not a true rush (plant family Juncaceae) but is a sedge (plant family Cyperaceae). The name likely comes from its similar habitat and appearance to true rushes.
• The "cotton" part of the name directly describes the appearance of its fruiting head, which resembles a puff of cotton.

Noun

1. any sedge of the genus Eriophorum; north temperate bog plants with tufted spikes