White cotton grass seed heads blanket Estonian wetlands as summer begins

Estonian wetlands are currently displaying a striking sight: cotton grass has finished blooming and its fluffy white seed heads are widespread across the bogs. In places, these white tufts completely cover the wetlands. The plant, which flowered in April, has now transformed as summer approaches.

Estonian wetlands offer a striking sight this summer – cotton grass has finished its flowering season and its fluffy white seed heads adorn the bogs extensively. In places, the wetlands appear almost entirely white with the cotton grass tufts, creating an enchanted landscape.

Cotton grass is a plant that captures attention at two different times of year. In April, during early spring, it is known as one of the first bloomers and has been described as a plant that naturally provides wool-like growth. Now, as summer begins, it is more recognized for its characteristic white seed heads, or cotton tufts.

In folk tradition, the fluffy tufts of cotton grass have been called Kalevipoeg's cheese – this figurative name gives an idea of how striking this plant is in the landscape. For wetland visitors, the present time offers a unique opportunity to observe these natural phenomena up close and admire the distinctive beauty of the still bogs.