Cattail
Cattail, a reedlike plant found in marshes and swamps all over the world. In England these plants are often called bulrushes. The two most common species are the common cattail, or Cossack asparagus, and the narrow-leaved cattail, or small reed-mace. Both plants range in height from three to nine feet (90 to 270 cm). Cylindrical, brown spikes at the end of the long stalks bear thousands of tiny, yellow flowers that later become fluffy, silky fruits. The common cattail has sword-shaped leaves one inch (2.5 cm) wide; those of the narrow-leaved cattail are half as wide.
Cattail marshes provide shelter and food for wildlife. The starchy roots of cattails were ground into meal by American Indians. Early American colonists ate the young stems, which resemble asparagus; the flowered spikes were boiled and eaten like corn on the cob. The dried leaves are used in basketwork and to weave chair seats. The fruits furnish stuffing for pillows and mattresses. The dried, brown spikes are often used in floral arrangements.
Cattails made up the family Typhaceae. The common cattail is Typha latifolia; the narrow-leaved cattail is T. angustifolia.