ruggedcampingessentials

Cattails

There are many species of cattails, but there are two species most commonly found in the US: broad-leaved cattail and narrow leaf cattail. Cattails have a broad or narrow leaf, which resembles a long stiff blade of grass. The plant leaves can grow as tall as 10 feet. The facility consists of a flower structure without petals made up of a brown, fuzzy, hot dog shape on the bottom, which is the female portion, and a long slender type yellow spike on top of the brown structure, which is the male part.

Cattails have two ways of reproducing; In the fall, the plump brown heads will release their seeds with the help of a breeze. Cattails also have thick, white roots, called rhizomes. These rhizomes take in the nutrients from the water, and with the aid of the sun, the plants will grow fast and thick. The root system protects against erosion from heavy rains or mild flooding.

This plant provides food and cover for our wildlife. Some species of birds will use the brown fluff to line the houses they build on the tall weeds. Bigger birds, such as ducks and geese will hide their nest directly in the shoots to protect their eggs from predators. Frogs lay their eggs around and in-between them. Fish will hide from Blue Herons that fly in or land predators wanting a tasty dinner. Animals, such as deer, raccoons, and turkeys use the cattails as cover. The leaves provide food for insects; thus, the bugs provide food for the birds. Humans have been using cattails for centuries. The American Indians used the leaves in the making of mats to sleep on, baskets to hold food and water. They used the fluffy part of the plant to provide protection from the outside elements. They stitched it into clothing and bedding, because of its natural ability to insulate. Pioneers used the fluff to stuff dolls and used the brown heads to light a fire.

Cattail Wigwam

 The root contains a sticky glue-like substance that applied has an adhesive for the paper. The pollen from the brown part of the plant to be added to food because it has an endless amount of nutrients. The root of the plant and the pollen are used as flour when cooking bread or thickening stews. However, this will take many plants and much patience, but the reward is worth the effort.

Some people consider this type a plant problematic, and it grows so fast and thick; it has the potential to choke out the beneficial plants needed to maintain the ecosystem of that water source. The movement of water decreases and then the water becomes stagnant, which becomes the perfect conditions for mosquitoes to breed in and spreads diseases to domestic animals, livestock, and humans.

Linda Tanner

If you are trying to keep pesky animals like raccoons or muskrats out and keep mosquitoes at bay, cut your cattails back using a weed cutter and then a rake to rid the tails that fell into the water. There is another product called MuckAway™ this product helps to break down the decomposing material and muck. If you want cattails, but want them contained in an area, you will have to make a point of regularly cleaning up what grows outside your designated area.