Cattails thrive in moist meadows, swamps, inlets and even brackish water. They are critical componets of the ecosystem, providing food, forage, cover and nesting materials for animals and birds.
They are aggressive growers, which is a blessing in the right spot. How beautiful to look out over a moist meadow filled with native cattails!
Cattails are nutritious with starchy roots used by Native Americans to make meal. Native Americans also used the "fluff" from the flowers to line mocassins. The fluff also was used during World War II for floatations.
Cattails can be planted in containers to contain the spread, and they make great dried-flower arrangements.
Fun fact: The flower on the spike looks a bit like a cat's tail:)
1st photo: Copyright 2023 © Uli Lorimer, The Northeast Native Plant Primer: 235 Native Plants for an Earth-Friendly Garden.
