http://www.backwoodshome.com/articles/duffyk43.html

The utility of this cattail is limited only by your imagination. The dried stalks can be used for hand drills and arrow shafts. The seed heads and dried leaves can be used as tinder. The seed head fluff can be used for pillow and bedding stuffing or as a down-like insulation in clothing. The leaves can be used for construction of shelters or for woven seats and backs of chairs, which has been a traditional use for hundreds of years.

They can be woven into baskets, hats, mats, sacks, and beds. The dried seed heads attached to their stalks can be dipped into melted animal fat or oil and used as torches.

The next time you see “The Super Wal-Mart of the Swamp,” why don’t you do some shopping?

Или вот ещё интересно:
http://www.newton.dep.anl.gov/natbltn/400-499/nb416.htm

For centuries, cattail leaves have been used to caulk barrels, and
twisted or braided into cords for making rush-bottomed furniture. The
Indians wove them into waterproof mats for the sides of their lodges,
and sleeping mats on their travels. Soft fibers, extracted from the
leaves and stems by treating them chemically, can be used like jute for
stuffing furniture and making twine, burlap or webbing. A stickly
substance extracted from the stems may have value as an adhesive for
paper, as sizing, or in facial and shaving creams.