The National Mall in Southwest Washington in Washington, District of Columbia — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Broadleaf Cattail • Káhkáhaskwar (kaw-kaw-has-quar)
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), May 13, 2019
1. Broadleaf Cattail • Káhkáhaskwar (kaw-kaw-has-quar) Marker
Nearly every Native community in North America has used the cattail as food, medicine, or raw material for baskets and mats. The cattail contains ten times the amount of starch as potatoes—an important source of energy.
The Micmac and Ho-Chunk (Winnebago), among many other tribes, made cordage or thick ropes, from twisted strands of cattail leaves. The cordage was used to make strong, weatherproof mats for house or floor coverings, as well as toys, dolls, and duck ,decoys.
Did you know that the "fluff" on a cattail is really its seeds? The soft fluff was often used by Native peoples to pad moccasins, bedding, and baby cradleboards.
Erected by Smithsonian Institution.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Environment • Native Americans.
Location. Marker has been permanently removed. It was located near 38° 53.306′ N, 77° 0.955′ W. Marker was in Southwest Washington in Washington, District of Columbia. It was in The National Mall. Marker could be reached from Jefferson Drive Southwest west of 3rd Street Southwest, on the right when traveling east. On the grounds of the National Museum of the American
this page online
We have been informed that this sign or monument is no longer there and will not be replaced. This page is an archival view of what was.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this location. National Native American Veterans Memorial (here, next to this marker); George Rivera (within shouting distance of this marker); Cardinal Direction Marker: East (within shouting distance of this marker); Cardinal Direction Marker: North (within shouting distance of this marker); Traditional Croplands (within shouting distance of this marker); Cardinal Direction Marker: South (within shouting distance of this marker); Nora Naranjo-Morse (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); a different marker also named Nora Naranjo-Morse (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Southwest Washington.
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), May 13, 2019
2. Broadleaf Cattail • Káhkáhaskwar (kaw-kaw-has-quar) Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on January 30, 2023. It was originally submitted on November 14, 2017, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 193 times since then and 7 times this year. Last updated on February 10, 2018, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 13, 2019, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
