It is a variable-looking species of the cattail family and is widely found throughout the territory of Latvia. Typically, various-sized stands are present in the vicinity of lakes, ponds, rivers, and ditches. It is a perennial, 1.2-2.2 m tall marsh plant with an erect, stout (diameter 0.3-0.7 cm) stem, ending with a spike. The leaves are linear, 70-140 cm long, and 0.5-1 cm wide. The spike's male (upper) and female (lower) parts are spaced 2-8 cm apart. The female part is narrow and long (diameter 1-1.5 cm), brown. It blooms in July and August.

Earlier, stems and leaves were used for thatching roofs, making low-quality paper and cardboard, weaving mats, baskets, small rugs, ropes, and other materials.

Information sources: www.latvijasdaba.lv, Wikipedia