The root of the cattail plant, also known as bulrush root, three-cornered grass, and water three-angled grass, can be used as animal feed and medicinal herb. Let's learn more about the uses of cattail root below!
Cattail root is a perennial herb that grows to a height of 60-100cm. Its rhizome is thick and short, with fine long fibrous roots. The stems are clustered and robust, with sharp three-angled surfaces, and have two leaf sheaths at the base without leaf blades.
The bract is a continuation of the stem, upright, and 3-14cm long. The spikelets are clustered into head-like structures, falsely lateral, oval or elongated oval in shape, 8-16mm long and 4-6mm wide, with numerous flowers.
The scales are elongated oval, 4-5mm long, pale brown, with a short pointed tip at the apex and a central vein. There are six lower rigid hairs, nearly equal in length to the achene, and with spines.
There are three stamens with filament linear and three stigmas. The achene is broadly ovoid, flattened three-angled, 2-2.5mm long, glossy brown-black when ripe, with indistinct wrinkles. The flowering and fruiting period is from May to September.
Distribution of cattail root: In China, it is widely distributed throughout the country except for Xinjiang and Tibet. It is also found in North Korea, Japan, and other Asian countries, as well as in Madagascar and Europe.
Growth habits of cattail root: It grows near ponds, marshes, streams, and lakes, often coexisting with water chestnut and lotus. It grows at an altitude of 500-1500 meters.
Cattail is a perennial herb with high-quality stem fibers that can be used to make typewriter paper, cardboard, and small bags made of mud. The stems and leaves can also be woven into grass shoes and mats. The tender stems and leaves can be used as animal feed.
Wild cattail root cannot be eaten directly and needs to be processed before use.
