Cattails are easily recognizable by their long, sword-like leaves and characteristic brown "cat's tail" spikes, which are the plant's flowering structures. These plants are highly adaptable and can thrive in a variety of wetland conditions, from fresh to slightly brackish water. The extensive root system of cattails aids in soil stabilization and water filtration, making them ecological cornerstones in many wetland ecosystems.

The presence of cattails in an area can indicate water health, as they often flourish in nutrient-rich environments. In Alberta, where numerous wetlands dot the landscape, cattails are commonly found and serve as both an ecological asset and a historical resource.

For indigenous peoples of Canada, including those in Alberta, cattails have long held significance. Every part of the plant, from the roots to the spikes, has found a use. The starchy rhizomes are often consumed as a food source, while the fluffy seeds are used for insulation and padding. The long leaves are woven into mats, baskets, and even used as roofing material.

As European settlers arrived, they too recognized the utility of cattails, though often more for their ecological importance in maintaining healthy wetlands. Today, while modern uses might differ from historical ones, the cattail remains a symbol of the rich wetland heritage of regions like Alberta.

Cattail's versatility extends to its culinary and practical applications:

1. Edible Rhizomes: These can be boiled or roasted and have a taste reminiscent of corn or potato.
2. Shoots: Young shoots can be eaten raw in salads or cooked. They have a flavor profile similar to cucumber or zucchini.
3. Flower Heads: Before they turn brown and fluffy, the green flower heads can be boiled and eaten, akin to corn on the cob.
4. Pollen: The yellow pollen can be harvested and used as a flour supplement in baking.
5. Craft and Insulation: Mature brown flower heads provide fluffy seeds that have been traditionally used for insulation, pillow stuffing, and even as fire starters.
6. Woven Crafts: The long, sturdy leaves can be woven into mats, baskets, hats, and other crafts.
7. Ecological: Cattails can be intentionally planted to assist in water filtration in constructed wetlands or pond systems.

When harvesting cattails for consumption, it's essential to ensure that the water source is clean and free from pollutants. With their ability to uptake and store nutrients and toxins, cattails from contaminated areas can carry those contaminants into the parts of the plant consumed.