Common Cattail, Broadleaf Cattail, Tule,Typha latifolia,Cattail Family (Typhaceae)

Photo credit: John George
Found in shallow wet areas, ditches, ponds
Seen in September by the Rio Chama, Abiquiu, NM

Cattails are easily recognizable in wet places by their sword-like green leaves and distinctive flower stalks growing 5 to 10 feet tall in dense stands. They actually bloom in our area in July. At blooming time male flowers are in a spike at the tip of the stem with the female flowers in a spike below. After pollination the male flowers fall away and the female flowers form the familiar brown sausage-like seed head. This eventually dries and falls apart scattering as many as 200,000 seeds with feather-like plumes to the wind in the spring. Large stands of Cattails serve as important nesting areas and cover for wildlife. They are also a really useful plant for humans. The roots can be cooked like potatoes or dried and made into protein-rich flour; the young spring shoots are juicy and can be used as an asparagus substitute; the young immature flowers can be boiled and eaten like corn on the cob; the pollen can be used to make pancakes; the base of the leaves can be eaten like an artichoke; the flowers can be eaten raw or cooked. The leaves are not edible but can be woven into baskets, hats, mats, chairs and beds. The dried seed heads attached to their stalks can be dipped into melted animal fat or oil and used as torches. The medicinal uses of Cattails include poultices made from the roots that can be applied to cuts, wounds, burns, stings, and bruises. The ash of the burned leaves can be used as an antiseptic or styptic for wounds. The seed heads and dried leaves can be used as tinder. The seed head fluff can be used for pillow and bedding stuffing. Source.

If you trying to identify a different flower then you can check what other flowers bloom this month. If you cannot identify a flower from the website send a photo and where you took it to contact@rockymountainsflora.com. Read online for tips.