The Cattail, Typha, is a familiar plant to anyone from wetlands or marshes. There are a few different species of the Cattail, but they all look similar. The plant is recognizable by its tall, thin structure and its cylinder-like top, which looks a bit like a corn-dog. As mentioned, these plants are tall. Some can reach up to twenty-five feet in height while others are much smaller at four feet.
They grow almost all year round. The Cattail thrives in warm, wet environments. They are a wild plant and are usually never seen anywhere else but the wilderness. This is because it would be fairly difficult to simulate the habitat of a marshland. Also, Cattails have extensive roots that spread out underneath the surface. This also allows for the growth of the Cattail population and helps the stability of the land.
The Cattail flower, cigar shaped brown peak, isn’t the prettiest flower but it serves its reproductive purpose because there are female and male Cattails. They cross pollinate and the Cattail reproduces. The Cattail is also edible. The stock provides a nutritious, semi-tasty meal. So, if you are ever trapped in a marsh and need something to eat grab a Cattail. Another use of the Cattail is in medicine. Extract from a Cattail can be used on irritated skin, and muscle pain.