Typhaceae Typha latifolia L.

Broadleaf Cattail

Paiute, Northern - Food, Unspecified

Use documented by:
Fowler, Catherine S., 1990, Tule Technology: Northern Paiute Uses of Marsh Resources in Western Nevada, Washington, D.C. Smithsonian Institution Press, page 69

View all documented uses for Typha latifolia L.

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Scientific name: Typha latifolia L.
USDA symbol: TYLA (View details at USDA PLANTS site)
Common names: Broadleaf Cattail
Family: Typhaceae
Family (APG): Typhaceae
Native American Tribe: Paiute, Northern
Use category: Food
Use sub-category: Unspecified
Notes: Seeds roasted and eaten. Brown seed heads were cut from the stalks and taken to an area where the earth had been dampened and packed into a hard, crusted surface. After warming the spikes in the sun, the cat tail fluff was removed from the spikes and placed on the ground in a layer about two inches deep. This was set on fire and the mixture stirred until all the fluff was burned. Remaining on the hard packed earth were thousands of tiny black cat tail seeds. These were gathered into a finely woven basketry tray and the seed was winnowed by gently tossing it in the air during a slight breeze.

RECRD: 8823 id: 41343

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