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?
![cattails](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaYH-Nuaei7CfJnXJq4rsueFW5UxuJfmu74Vv-6h3JWp1gCyktHsBuKxxxumTz28uZSXkdOd56c2RRRpsA_vPM7pB-nw5P-Q70ARFM30e-Nt5pjEKvNSPq_GfAofNBrLvuoax3g10XPKI/s1600/cattails03.jpg)
At this time of year, last season's stems are often broken, weighted down by snow and ice.
![cattails](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJzCmQRfSoDZLPKLeQWbqniYPXRBL2UNUoB9Ig3_HfxnVJjRMCm7u0bJEMDAkiCugJ34fioCgVAOLwF2JsFVchcP9M3uZDlYC_1Hl4l7x4bfP7XNNQELCXIcDTRpLBMx1vhphlyTk3bP8/s1600/cattails06.jpg)
But of course, that's all part of the plan. The "sausages," actually the inflorescence, are breaking open and releasing their fluff.
![cattails](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgegC2L2-gnqPJboS1i5CWuxaFA5n-XquZc2Z9Aha3bAthq03OL3nietKEZWB9mG4u1QaXp1ArAbbOsocDWOyRrUcwHijMbgpem82RX4mPfsEaM5aBrYpKjqwS2PYI62fimrx7G4_cOoGE/s1600/cattails04.jpg)
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.
![cattails](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI_JULUgu99pnayHVAU_kwIP1ZpOesctYB38xv-0zwxMGCpZh4wdM5WLxbq46JlQacMkltqTjef3jBlYhnFggprmPWpvpY_V_-0BfZQcH9rFXGsQ8mfl8Fg-iGZy391MTTW5q0RxX3KHg/s1600/cattails05.jpg)
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4 comments:
Cattails were one of the first plants I remember liking.
I 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.
I've always liked the look of cattails
Lovely post. :) I do so love such signs of the infinite spirals of nature.
And the cattails are surely beautiful!
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