Cattails are used in many ways. The roots of cattails contain starch and are eaten in times of famine in many parts of the world. Cattail pollen can be used like flour. The silky down surrounding the seeds of cattails can be used to stuff life jackets and mattresses. The leaves of cattails can be woven into mats and chair seats.
Cattails provide shelter and food for wild waterfowl.
However, thick growths of cattails can cause economic problems by blocking drainage ditches. Cattails belong to the cattail family, Typhaceae. The scientific name for the broad-leaved cattail is Typha latifolia . For a product demonstration, click here .