Frosty Cattails on a January Sunrise

The broad-leaved or common cattail ( Typha latifolia ) is one of the most ubiquitous and recognizable wetland plants in our region. It is efficient at filtering both nutrients and wastes from water and for this reason, it, along with other wetland plants, function as nature's "kidney." Each cattail, which is really the male (upper section) and female (lower section) flowers of the plant, can produce 117,000 to 268,000 seeds. Cattail roots contain 30 percent starch and 8 percent crude protein.

Other species of cattail grow in Pennsylvania – one, the narrowleaf cattail ( Typha angustifolia ), has more narrow leaves than the common cattail and the male and female parts of the flower are separated by a small space whereas in the common cattail, the male and female parts of the flower are generally continuous. These two species can hybridize and the resulting offspring, Typha x glauca proves to be an exceptionally invasive plant that quickly dominates wetlands.

Its uses among Native Americans were legend:

• the starchy rhizomes were peeled and cooked like potatoes or made into flour
• the sprouts were a tasty delicacy
• the leaves were woven into mats and baskets
• and the seed fluff used in winter garb and bedding.

Reference: Wildflowers of Pennsylvania - M.J. Haywood and P. Monk - Botanical Society of Western Pennsylvania and The Wild Woods Guide - D. Bennet and T. Tiner - Harper Collins

Today's photo provided by John M. Karian, who is a WPC member and does nature photography in Venango
County.

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