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Wetland Beauty


Wetland Beauty
Photo Information
Copyright: Evelynn Smith (Evelynn) Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2126 W: 756 N: 3277] (14396)
Genre: Plants
Medium: Color
Date Taken: 2006-02
Categories: Water Plants
Camera: Olympus C-750 Ultra Zoom
Photo Version: Original Version
Date Submitted: 2006-02-28 18:29
Viewed: 1081
Points: 16
[Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note
The earliest a cattail was recorded as native to North America was in 1836. By 1888, the cattail was known throughout the country. There were two narrow-leaved cattails also found in eastern North America in the 1830's. The native species was called Typha gracilis, and the other species (a European species) was named Typha angustifolia.. By the 1850's these two species were formed into a single species, Typha angustifolia.. Since that time, it hasn't been known that there used to be a native and European species combined into one species.

Before 1880, the narrow-leaved cattail was only found in a few coastal wetlands along the north Atlantic seaboard, Louisiana, and California. In the late 19th century, cattails spread to the Great Lakes region by way of waterways, railroads, road ditches, and other areas where wetlands were disturbed or created. The narrow-leaved cattail continued to the west of the Great Lakes. In 1920, it was first recorded in Wisconsin. In North Dakota, there were no records of this cattail before World War I.

Cattails were first used in the New England States. Their popularity grew when indians began harvesting them for hemp, proving them to be a valuable natural resource.

During the last 50 years, the narrow-leaved cattail has spread rapidly, and by the early 1960's, it was the dominant wetland plant in southeastern North Dakota and western Minnesota. The former domination by bulrushes was being taken over by the cattails.




Source:

http://www.twingroves.district96.k12.il.us/Wetlands/Cattails/Cattails.html
hummingbird24, Dando, scottevers7, SkyF, klemmg has marked this note useful
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Critiques [Translate]

  • Great 
  • manyee Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 3067 W: 231 N: 6166] (21070)
  • [2006-02-28 21:26]

An interesting rendition of the fluffy head of seeds of a cattail. The light of the setting sun(?) on it gives it a beautiful golden glow. Very sharp details on the "hairy seeds". They seem ready for the wind to come and blow them away, to start anew.
Did you know that these white fibers are so soft and absorbent that the Native Americans in our area used them as diaper material for their babies? Birds and mammals also used them to line their nest.

Fascinating, huh?

More Uses: The American Indians used cattails extensively. As building materials, cattails are used in making thatch. The dried stalks are used to weave bags, mats and other household items. They are also used as fuel for fires. The fluffy seeds are used to stuff pillows and other insulating clothing. As food, every part of the cattail can be eaten. The core of young flower shoots are tender and eaten raw (said to taste like cucumbers). The rhizomes can be processed to produce flour, as well as the seeds (the fluffy parts are burnt off). Green flower stems are cooked on the stick and eaten like corn-on-the-cob. Other parts that are eaten include young shoots and the pollen.

Traditional medicinal uses: The American Indians used the jelly from young leaves to treat wounds and other skin problems. When the brown flower head is burnt, it produces a smoke that repels insects.

Source

  • Great 
  • Dando Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor [C: 637 W: 32 N: 792] (3084)
  • [2006-03-01 4:42]

Hi Evelynn. interesting composition with good colour and texture. Well done and TFS.
Dean.

Hello Evelynn,

It is a surprise, quite often, to find that many of nature's gifts we've taken for granted in life, can be so beautiful if seen the proper light...

This lovely cattail is certainly one of these treasures.

I often played around them, and with them, as a child.

Then later in life, collected them to place in a vase as decoration in my home.

Not in all this time, did I realize how they were put to such uses, until I read your note (plus the addendum by ManYee).

Your composition is lovely, well detailed and artistically presented, with perfect lighting, contrasts, and POV.

Thank you for helping me see it again...

And to think, I could have saved a ton of money on diapers! ;-)

Hi Evelynn,
The strong side lighting really makes this composition look great. I love cattails, and they always make an excellent photo. This looks great!
Scott

  • Great 
  • SkyF Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2233 W: 188 N: 1929] (8127)
  • [2006-03-01 13:33]

Hi Evelyn,
wonderful how you captured the beautiful light. POV is great, the subject it nicely set set off from the back ground. Nice composition.
Sky

This makes my photo of cattails go down the drain. Great DOF, beautiful details and great lighting.
Thanks,
Niek

  • Great 
  • klemmg Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 302 W: 40 N: 484] (1719)
  • [2006-03-01 16:44]

Beautiful warm light and colours in this nice close-up. Well done!
Gabi

  • Great 
  • jmp Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 1740 W: 95 N: 2273] (8411)
  • [2006-03-04 17:47]

Excelent colour, sharpness, GB, light,... And a beautiful cattail you have choose!
Near my house there are many Typha angustifolia and the are used to make "cattail" seat chair.
Good photo Evelynn
José M.

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