The stalk can reach up to eight feet in height. Cattails create large colonies in wet areas throughout the United States. Cattail roots are gathered during any time of the year but they are best when gathered from late fall through early spring when the starch is concentrated in the roots. After spring, the roots slowly shrink, harden and become almost ropelike. Be careful not to use roots out of chemically polluted water.
Cattail roots are excellent for providing starch in the diet.
Some claim that cattails roots equal the potatoes in carbohydrates and rice or corn in protein. To process the starch out of the roots, the roots can be peeled of left alone and crushed in cold water. Pour the liquid through a sieve to help separate the fiber from the liquid. Allow to set for a while to allow the white starch to settle to the bottom. Next pour the clear surface liquid off.