Size: 90-270 cm (3-9ft.).

Leaves and Flowers: Leaves are erect, flat, and blade-like. The alternate leaves are up to 2.5 cm (1 in.) wide.

Flowers appear from May-July. They are brown, cylindrical heads made up of tiny female flowers. The yellowish-brown male flower extends directly above the female flower, which is greenish during the pollination. The male flower fades after pollen is shed, leaving it a bare stock; the female seed head becomes rich brown in color.

Habitat: Fresh water marsh.

Range: Throughout the US.

Use: The roots are mostly starch and edible; they were ground into meal by Native Americans. The flower spikes and roots could be boiled for food. The wide leaves were used for baskets, mats, caulking, and doll making. In the fall, the fluffy down could be used as diapers.