cattails

in early fall, the brown flower head pops open, letting its fluffy seeds emerge. These seeds are carried by wind or water to new places.
Many species of birds use the fluff to line their nests.

This wonderful plant is a virtual gold mine of survival utility. It is a four-season food, medicinal, and utility plant. What other plant can boast eight food products, three medicinal, and at least 12 other functional uses? Cattails are very important for many animals. They provide a place for the red-winged blackbird to build a nest to hide their young, a place for fish to hide or nest under the water, and a food source.

They even provide food for humans. and that's your latest nature lesson.