The most attractive thing about them is how hardy they are. You just need to know where they can be found and otherwise they grow themselves and are very robust. You will see storms come through and ravage the landscape but the next day (in Lincoln, Nebraska) the bulrushes are left standing right where they were growing after a tornado! When you're hungry it's great to know some plants will always be there no matter what is happening.
Am in the UK where these plants are not as prevalent as in the US but have always been fascinated by them whenever I’ve come across them, along with the gorgeous yellow flag iris growing in the boggy lands of County Cavan in Ireland. Cattails are an iconic plant in their unique shape and their wonderful fluffy cigar shaped seed heads - after reading your article, I will never see them as anything less than a wonder of Nature, again - and possibly, one day, could save my life or someone else’s. Thanks again for such a beautifully written and comprehensive article
Amazing! I’ve seen cattails all over the south but I was shocked to find them at about 8,000 elevation here in the Rockies!
The most attractive thing about them is how hardy they are. You just need to know where they can be found and otherwise they grow themselves and are very robust. You will see storms come through and ravage the landscape but the next day (in Lincoln, Nebraska) the bulrushes are left standing right where they were growing after a tornado! When you're hungry it's great to know some plants will always be there no matter what is happening.
Nice! I had no idea!
Am in the UK where these plants are not as prevalent as in the US but have always been fascinated by them whenever I’ve come across them, along with the gorgeous yellow flag iris growing in the boggy lands of County Cavan in Ireland. Cattails are an iconic plant in their unique shape and their wonderful fluffy cigar shaped seed heads - after reading your article, I will never see them as anything less than a wonder of Nature, again - and possibly, one day, could save my life or someone else’s. Thanks again for such a beautifully written and comprehensive article
Most common “weeds” are valuable food and medicine sources.
Dandelions. I am going to do a stack on these one day soon.(!)
Go out in the early morning and pick the fresh flowers for tea or salad.
Very under appreciated indeed!
This is amazing information on the ubiquitous cattail - thank you so much