Common Cattail

Description:

Cattails are a sure sign of wet areas changing into dry land. They grow in shallows of ponds and swamps where the rootstalk forms a thick mat just under the water's surface. Muskrats eat the cattails and use the stalks to make their homes. Cattails provide winter protection for waterfowl and other animals. Shown are the flowerheads. The water carries the seeds to new areas. The fluff is used by mice and birds to make soft nests.