Florida's wetland plants were valued by Native Americans for a number of reasons beyond their aesthetic value. Below is a sample of wetland plants found in the Florida Panhandle region with a list of their historical uses.
Cattails (Typha spp.)
- Green flower spikes were eaten to treat dysentery
- Central core of rootstock and the base of the leaf buds were eaten
- Tea was made from pitcher plants to calm childbirth, aid kidneys
- Dried leaves were used for fevers
- Roots treated smallpox
- Root tea was drank to treat diarrhea
- Greens were eaten to promote regularity
- Bulbs were used as a toothache remedy
- Weaved into baskets, textiles, bedding, ropes, rugs, and thatch houses
- Weaved into baskets
- Roots eaten
- Used in a bath to treat cough and muscle cramps
- Made into brooms and brushes
- Seeds ground into flour
- Dried and used as bedding, rugs, and diapers
- Drank as tea
