Possible Sedge, any ideas

[al21]

I've been passing these plants for a few years now and have just found time to stop for a few photos as I thought folks here might find them of interest. I've always thought of them as being cotton plants, but looking cotton up this appears to be incorrect. Does anyone here recognise them?

They are on a piece of heathland outside York known as Strensall Common. Some of you with military connections might be familiar with the place as it's also an army training area.

 

[Toddy]

That's bog cotton, sometimes called cotton grass.
Lots of varieties across the British Isles.
It's a lot of work to spin but it makes a beautiful cloth.

cheers,
Toddy

 

[al21]

That's bog cotton, sometimes called cotton grass.
Lots of varieties across the British Isles.
It's a lot of work to spin but it makes a beautiful cloth.

cheers,
Toddy

Cheers Toddy, I knew I'd get an answer swiftly from this site.

If I had more time I might collect some to try spinning some, but as it stands I'll leave it for others to enjoy.

Thanks again,

Al

 

[Toddy]

It does kind of brave the worst weathers, doesn't it ?

If you gather the heads and dry them they make good spark catching stuff too, like thistle down, but it goes up fast.

cheers,
Toddy