Another name for the cattail family is the Typhacea. The cattail's spike looks like a fat cigarette. Every different cattail is made up of a different flower. They're made up of many tiny seeds all packed together. Cattails can live up to 2 years. Their spikes go away and new ones grow.
This page was researched and written by Jordan. Permission to use picture from Al Joransen. This painting is titled "Among the Cattails". If you have any questions about the cattail e-mail him at ajoransen@yahoo.com
Cattails
They are found on edges of ponds and swampy areas. In the spring the cattail is green. Once they die, the winter animals use them for a nest or a source of food.
The cattail pollen, a kind of honey, can be turned into a kind of flour. The leaves on the cattail can be used to fill jackets or mattresses. It also provides food and shelter for the waterfowl animals.
The brown spikes on the cattail are sometimes used for winter decorations. Birds, raccoons, and other small animals use the leaves for nests.
This page was created by the Osseo-Fairchild sixth grade students supported by a Cluster A Goals 2000 Grant
Created 4/8/1999 Updated 4/8/1999 sdpYou may contact us at: spoore@mail.ofsd.k12.wi.us
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