They look like this.
The seed head stem which remains after the seeds have been dispersed by wind, is covered in fine stiff bristles.
Some native cultures would use these as a primitive toothbrush and are quite effective at cleaning your teeth.
Soon the new flower heads will appear and this will be the time to collect the pollen and make bread......keep watching for this one!
4 comments:
I am glad you posted about field hygiene. It is a topic I often don't get time to cover when leading a course. This summer I am going to try to work it in more. Thanks for the inspiration, keep up the good fight!
Thanks Chris. Are you aware of the use of Alder for the same purpose? If not, there's a bit of home work for you to research and write about on your blog ;>)
One problem, no alders here...but we do have oaks (Quercus macrocarpa). I'll do a blog on tanic acid mouth was when the mast gets produced.
Never thought of that one Kevin. Must admit though, it does look like you're playing a cattail harmonica!
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