Common Cattail is the most familiar and widespread wetland plant in North America, forming dense stands in marshes, pond edges, and ditches. Nearly every part of the plant is edible at some stage, and it was a primary food source for many indigenous peoples. Its brown seed heads provide nesting material for marsh wrens and red-winged blackbirds.
Best time to see a Common Cattail
The best time to see a Common Cattail is April–August, when about 64% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 9,887 research-grade iNaturalist observations.
Not certain it is a Common Cattail? What plant is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.
Recent Common Cattail sightings near you
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