Family:
Typhaceae
Description:
1.2-2.4 meter (4-8 ft) tall perennial stalk. Often grows near water in thick stands. Leaves are large spear-shaped. Stalks are topped with hotdog-shaped, dark brown flowers. Flowers present May through July.
Location:
Grows near marshes and ponds. Ranges from Southern Canada throughout the United States.
Uses and Parts Used:
Root:
Pounded roots used as a poultice for burns and sores.
Seed down:
Fuzz from flowers also used to treat burns and sores and to prevent chafing in babies. Young flowers can be ingested for diarrhea.
Notes:
Though flowers and shoots are edible for humans, Cattail may be poisonous to grazing animals.
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