Cattail; Bulrush (Typha angustifolia), fam. Typhaceae.
One of the lakeside and riverside "rushes", distinguished by its large composite fruits – the dense spikes or plumes, which then open, releasing the fluffy seeds.
Cattail has antibacterial, blood-stopping, woung-healing and antiseptic properties. From ancient times people knew that its roots are edible. They dug those roots, ground them into flour and baked bread or cakes. But in fact, this plant is quite difficult to gather without waterproof clothes and shoes.