Perennial by rootstock. Culm: obtusely triangular, stiff, smooth, slender. Leaves: filiform, channeled; spikelet terminal, solitary, erect; involucre none; scales spirally imbricated, ovate-lanceolate, long-acuminate, purplish-brown, membranous; bristles numerous, white or slightly yellowish, weak.

Plate VIII

Hare's Tail (Eriophorum callitrix)

Close beside the margins of the alpine lakes and streams may this soft fluffy-headed Sedge be found. It has a tall culm, two or three slender channelled leaves, and a single terminal white or cream-coloured head composed of fine silky bristles.

Eriophorum angustif olium, or Cotton Grass, has very narrow leaves, and is a smaller, more delicate plant than the preceding species.