Fall hiking in Paradise Meadows on Vancouver Island, British Columbia provides an excellent opportunity for one last glimpse at late blooming flowers and the seed heads from plants that flowered earlier in the year. By far the most obvious plant in seed in the meadows right now is Narrow-leaved Cotton-grass (Eriophorum angustifolium). This sedge produces achenes which are surrounded by long white bristles, creating a sea of white. On a windy day like yesterday the seeds stream out like flags, ready to be transported to a new location.

Narrow-leaved Cotton-grass is found in wet meadows, bogs, and fens at all elevations in coastal British Columbia. It is a beautiful sedge, easy to identify, and a sure sign that fall is on its way!