Each seed has a light surrounding of fluffy material that allows it to float to new locations on the wind or water. It can also reproduce by sending out stems called rhizomes. These grow horizontally from the plant and begin new plants nearby. Some species of trees like aspen, speckled alder, and willow grow around the edge of the marsh. The cattail marshes are a valuable habitat to many species of birds, animals, insects and plants.
Marshes can be one of the most interesting areas to explore.
Even driving by in a car, you can spot signs of wildlife. Ducks or geese often use the open water for resting and feeding. One of the most numerous land birds in North America, the Red-winged blackbird, can be spotted hanging onto the stem or leaves of the cattail plant. The muskrat, which likes to feed on many of the soft-stemmed plants that grow in the marsh, is often found in the marsh. It is also the home for small fish, turtles, frogs, toads, salamanders, and snakes.