CATTAILS & GRASSES
Used by Native Americans for Textiles
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| Bulrush Sedge Grows in wet places. Round stalks (often dyed) were used in interior mat construction. Leaves used in making twine. | Carex Sedge Grows in wet places or in swamps. Triangular stem with 'foxtail' shaped flower. Leaves similar to Bulrush used for making thin twine. | Milk Weed Grows in dry meadows or thickets. Inner cambium layer of stalk used in making a sturdy thin twine (edible pods if prepared properly). |
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| Tussock Sedge Grows in wet places or in swamps. Triangular stem. Narrow leaves used for making thin twine. |
Cattail Grows in wet places or around ponds. Round stalks (dried green) were used in exterior mat construction. Buoyant leaves used for twine and small toys. |
Dogbane Also called Indian Hemp. Grows along moist field edges. A close relative of milkweed. Inner fibers were used by Native Americans for all kinds of twisted rope and cordage: heavy fishing lines, woven nets, finger woven bags, and thread. (toxic). |
