Bursting Cattails

Cattails, the epitome of wetland plants. In the photo it's bursting and ready to disperse its seeds. Next time you're near a pond or marsh, look for the characteristic cigar shape and any fluffy bits going in the wind.

Here are some facts about cattails:

–In the spring into summer, they flower with spikes of the male and female parts

–They have two types of reproduction: seed and rhizome which is where roots underwater grow back

–Various animals from muskrats, deer, raccoons, insects and turkeys use them for shelter and food

–Native Americans have used the leaves for furniture

–They are edible! Come springtime, I will try to make a recipe with them and let you know what they're like

ADDITIONAL SOURCES

“UT_WingsWater_WetlandProducers_Jan19.pdf” Nature Conservancy, Jan. 2019.