Eriophorum scheuchzeri
Eriophorum scheuchzeri, commonly known as Scheuchzer's cottongrass, is a distinctive perennial herb found in peatlands and acidic bogs. While primarily admired for its delicate, white tufted seed heads, this plant holds ecological significance, contributing to wetland biodiversity and traditional herbal practices within specialized botanical studies and regional ethnobotany.
- Scientific name: Eriophorum scheuchzeri
- Family: Cyperaceae
- Native range: Europe
Taxonomical Classification
This plant, Eriophorum scheuchzeri, belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta. Within the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae, it is classified under the order Poales. It is further categorized into the family Cyperaceae and the genus Eriophorum.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Poales | WCVP |
| Family | Cyperaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Eriophorum | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, Eriophorum scheuchzeri, is known by various regional names depending on the language and location. In German, it is referred to as Scheuchzers Wollgras, while in Icelandic, it is called Hrafnafífa. In Northern Sami, the name used is Snøull, and in French, it is known as Linaigrette de Scheuchzer. Finally, in Swedish, it is commonly called Polarull.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| de | Scheuchzers Wollgras | Wikidata |
| is | Hrafnafífa | Wikidata |
| nn | Snøull | Wikidata |
| fr | Linaigrette de Scheuchzer | Wikidata |
| sv | Polarull | Wikidata |
| nl | Scheuchers wollegras | Wikidata |
| ru | Пушица Шейхцера | Wikidata |
| pl | wełnianka Scheuchzera | Wikidata |
| fi | töppövilla | Wikidata |
| hsb | Hórska wołmica | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a distinct distribution pattern concentrated within the high latitudes of Northern Europe. It can be found growing across the expansive landscapes of Finland and Sweden. Additionally, its habitat extends to the rugged terrains of Norway and the volcanic soils of Iceland. The species also reaches its northernmost limits in the Arctic archipelago of Svalbard. Together, these locations define its specific geographical range in the northern hemisphere.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Northern Europe | Finland | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Iceland | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Norway | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Svalbard | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Sweden | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Austria | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Czechia-Slovakia | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Germany | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Switzerland | WCVP |
| Southwestern Europe | France | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, Eriophorum scheuchzeri, commonly known as Scheuchzer's cottongrass, is characterized by its distinct morphology where the aerial parts play a primary role in its identification. The aerial parts consist of long, slender leaves and unique flowering structures that produce tufts of white, cotton-like bristles used for seed dispersal. Supporting these structures is a relatively inconspicuous stem that grows from an underground rhizome, providing the necessary stability and nutrient transport required for the plant to thrive in its typical wetland habitats.- Total parts
- 2
- Scientific sources
- 2
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| stem | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| aerial parts | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Eriophorum scheuchzeri has 4 reported phytochemicals identified across 4 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Flavonoids, flavanone, flavonoids, isoflavones.
- Total chemicals
- 4
- Scientific sources
- 4
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Flavonoids | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| flavanone | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| flavonoids | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| isoflavones | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Eriophorum scheuchzeri has 3 reported activities identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antibacterial, Antifungal, Antioxidant.
- Total activities
- 3
- Scientific sources
- 3
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Antibacterial | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antifungal | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antioxidant | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |