Native Plants
Q. Who is Mr. Smarty Plants?
A: There are those who suspect Wildflower Center volunteers are the culpable and capable culprits. Yet, others think staff members play some, albeit small, role. You can torture us with your plant questions, but we will never reveal the Green Guru's secret identity.
Did you know you can access the Native Plant Information Network with your web-enabled smartphone?
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
rate this answer
Sunday - April 22, 2007
From: Superior, WI
Region: Midwest
Topic: Pests, Poisonous Plants
Title: Using cattail fluff to stuff pillows
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
Me and my children filled a pillow case with cattail feathers today and brought it home. My mother says that it is going to get or attract bugs. Are there any dangers in this little project? Thank you for your time. God Bless You!!!ANSWER:
For centuries all parts of Typha latifolia (broadleaf cattail) has had many uses, including food and as well as construction and insulation material for both people and wildlife.
There is the possibility that there are insects included with the fluff, but those could probably be eliminated by putting the pillow in your freezer for a period of time. However, some people have found that they developed hives (resumably from being allergic to the plant) when they slept on a pillow stuffed with the cattail fluff and accompanying seeds. Covering the pillow with a thicker cloth might (or might not) help to eliminate this problem if you are allergic to the plant or its seeds.
More Pests Questions
Spots on leaves of Esperanza from Dallas
May 30, 2012 - Have a new 1 foot high Esperanza. It is flowering OK (so far) but it has small rust colored spots about the size of a B-B all over most of the leaves. On the top side of the leaf the spot is depress...
view the full question and answer
Ants in the compost pile from Georgetown TX
March 09, 2012 - Can you give me any suggestions for ridding my compost pile of ants?
view the full question and answer
Lake Plantings and Geese
May 10, 2013 - I live on a small lake in Wichita, KS and we are over run with Canada geese. I would like to plant flowers around my patio (which is not allowed to be fenced off). Are there any flowers or plants that...
view the full question and answer
Pruning live oak in Austin
April 28, 2012 - Hi, We recently purchased a house in South Austin and there is a huge Live Oak Tree about 6 feet from the back door (so so so love it!) The only real issues I have so far are:
1. Needing to trim a ...
view the full question and answer
Desmodium spp. (beggar's lice) in Leander TX
November 11, 2011 - Our home backs up to a greenbelt on Blockhouse Creek in Williamson County, Texas (FM 1431 and Parmer Lane). The combination of the flood and drought has left our beautiful greenbelt with an abundance...
view the full question and answer
| Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |