tall marsh plant with cylindrical seed heads that explode when mature shedding large quantities of down; its long flat leaves are used for making mats and chair seats; of North America, Europe, Asia and North Africa

[ Syn: cats-tail , bulrush , nailrod , reed mace , reedmace , typha latifolia ]

tall rush with soft erect or arching stems found in Eurasia, Australia, New Zealand, and common in North America

[ Syn: bulrush , common rush , soft rush , juncus effusus ]