Cattails are a common in shallow water and grow up to eight feet tall. Their roots (rhizomes) grow horizontally and only a few inches below the ground. Asexual reproduction by formation of shoots from the rhizome result in clusters of cattail clones.

The actual "cat tail" spikes are for sexual reproduction. The upper, thinner part of the spike is the male part and the brown velvety region directly below is the female part. In winter, the female part becomes puffed out to allow the seeds to be dispersed by the wind.

Stands of cattails provide cover and food for many animals. Muskrats feed on cattail tubers, and they use the stems and leaves to build their den. Many birds use the fluff from the spike to line their nests. Geese feed on the tender young shoots as well as the starchy underground roots. Caterpillars use the leaves to pupate on while waiting to become moths. Spiders, painted turtles, ducks, and red-winged blackbirds also use cattails for food and as nesting sites.

The starchy root was ground into meal by Native Americans, and most parts of the plant are edible once cooked.