February 4, 2010
(Broadleaf) Common Cattail (Typha latifolia) - Lucitania Wet Meadow
Looking at this photo, one can see why Typha latifolia are called cattails.
Common Cattails are a wetland species and a familiar sight at Lucitania
Meadow's freshwater marsh. They flower from May to June. In early fall, the brown flower head (lower left stem) opens and allows it's fluffy seeds to emerge. These seeds are carried by wind or water to new locations. Many bird species use the fluff to line their nests. All parts of the cattail plant are edible. The roots are high in starch and were eaten by Native Americans and early settlers (likepotatoes) or ground into flower for baking.
Description and Photo by Carol Collura