This native, hardy perennial is a member of the Sedge family, even though it looks like grass. It reaches heights of 30-45 cm with tiny, cotton-like, tawny-coloured tufts growing from the tops of the stiff stems. Its leaves are flat, grass-like, leathery and are about 4 mm wide. It reproduces through its creeping, underground roots.

In the Algonquin Highlands you will find Cotton Grass growing in bogs, wet meadows and swamps. These plant is sometimes used as ornamentals. The silky tufts have been used to make pillows and fabric.