Cat-tail

n. (Bot.) A tall erect rush or flag (Typha latifolia) growing widely in fresh and salt marshes, with long, flat, sword-shaped leaves, having clusters of small brown flowers in a dense cylindrical spike at the top of the stem; -- called also bulrush and reed mace. The leaves are frequently used for seating chairs, making mats, etc. See Catkin. [ 1913 Webster + WordNet 1.5 ]

☞ The lesser cat-tail is Typha angustifolia. [ 1913 Webster ]