Found in wet areas all over North America, the common cattail not only has five edible parts - making it one of the best wild survival foods - but also has numerous other uses. For example, the long flat leaves can be easily woven into mats for sitting or sleeping on. They can be used to make baskets and other containers as well. The seed head fluff was used at one time as “kapok” for stuffing life preservers. It lights easily in a burst of flame, making it a good fire starter. It also can be used as insulation in an emergency. Stuff a jacket full of it and you effectively turn it into a winter coat. Stuff a garbage bag full of it and you have a mattress of sorts to insulate you from the cold ground.