Cattail is the common name for a tall perennial herb. It is characterized by a creeping rootstock, long flat leaves, flowers in dense cylindrical terminal spikes, and brown fruit with a velvety surface. The plant grows in freshwater swamps, in both temperate and tropical climates, and is sometimes found along pond borders and in bog gardens. It grows and spreads fast when sufficient water is present in the soil. The most common cattail grows to about 1 to 2 m high. Another
species , the narrow-leaved cattail, grows to a height of 3 m, and a species of California, Texas, Mexico, and Argentina grows to a height of about 5 m and an inflorescence of 1 m. The leaves are often used for making chair seats, mats, and baskets.

Cattails are used in any 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 jacketsand mattresses. The large brown spikes are sometimes used for window decorations. Cattails provide shelter and food for wild waterfowl. However, thick growths of cattails can cause economic problems by blocking drainage ditches.