Went for another road walk today. Everything else is very icy and difficult (although I see on Facebook that some friends hiked the Manistee River Trail). Nevertheless, it's good for me to save my gas money for my big hike of the year in May.
I was looking for something of interest to picture. The common cattail, Typha latifolia, was just waiting for me. Is there anyone not familiar with its silhouette?
At this time of year, last season's stems are often broken, weighted down by snow and ice.
But of course, that's all part of the plan. The "sausages," actually the inflorescence, are breaking open and releasing their fluff.
Birds often use the fluff to line nests. And attached to each silky thread is a seed, just like in the dandelion or the milkweed.
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Cattails were one of the first plants I remember liking.
ReplyDeleteI have heard Typha latifolia called cattail but it was a long time ago, it's common name here is Bulrush and it's cousin lesser bulrush - T. angustifolia.
ReplyDeleteI've always liked the look of cattails
ReplyDeleteLovely post. :) I do so love such signs of the infinite spirals of nature.
ReplyDeleteAnd the cattails are surely beautiful!