Broadleaf Cattail - Typha latifolia

Cattails have long, sword-like leaves that grow directly out of the rhizomes. The flowers grow from a central stalk with the male and female parts separate at the top of the stalk. The male part at the top pollinates the female part below it, after which the female part produces thousands of fluffy seeds (which look like a hot dog). the pollen-bearing male part falls away once the pollen is spent. The old seed heads (female part) often overwinter, persisting until new flower heads grow.

Cattails are called the "supermarket of the swamps" because of all their edible parts...The rhizomes can be collected any time of the year. The tender shoots of early spring leaves can be harvested in early spring, followed by the immature flower stalks in late spring. The pollen can be collected in early summer once the male part is mature.

In addition to this plant being a food source, it has other uses as well. The dry seed heads can be used as a fire starter and the leaves are great for weaving.

Habitat: Pond edge