Common woolly bulrush grows in marshes, wet meadows, swamps, pond edges, ditches, and rain gardens. It has upright green stems with attractive soft, woolly reddish-brown seed heads that provide winter interest. You can expect it to slowly expand over time and you can divide clumps if it becomes too large for the space. It prefers consistently moist to wet soils and can tolerate occasional standing water.

Common woolly bulrush provides habitat and cover for wetland wildlife. Seeds are eaten by ducks, rails, sparrows, and other wetland birds. Dense clumps provide nesting material and shelter for marsh birds and small mammals. The stems support insects that become an important food source for birds.