A common marsh plant with a unique appearance. The rhizomes and young shoots are both tasty and nutritious, as is the pollen which is most commonly added to flour. In Chinese medicine the pollen is used to stop internal and external bleeding. It is highly flammable and has been used in fireworks. The leaves can be woven into mats, chairseats and thatch roofing. A poultice made from the roots is used to treat boils, burns(from fireworks?) and wounds. The fluffy down has been used to stuff pillows and mattresses. This was one of the most utilized plants of many different Native American tribes. It is now being used for bioremediation as it absorbs pollutants. Word to the wise - don't eat cattails from polluted or suspected polluted water.