When is the best time to pick cattails (In wisconsin) and how do you preserve them?

Question

I was wondering when the LEGAL time is to pick cat tails. I live in Wisconsin. Also, how do you preserve them so they stay in tact.
Thanks

Answer 1

I don't know if they're protected in WI, but in OH they're not. I pick mine when they are full, with NO signs of rupture. I spray mine with hair spray and they last 6-8 months.

Answer 2

I don't think "legal" refers to a time when they can be picked but IF they can be picked. You can call your county's horticulture office (find that in the white pages in the front of your phone book). I had some cattails once and in time they burst open. During the time I had them people told me to shelack them. (Since I didn't know the difference between shelack and varnish I didn't do it...but you can try either...or maybe even use the plastic covering that you'd find in like Walmart in the area where they sell wood coatings or antiqueing color staining....it should be in a small tin can)

I know you can preserve flowers in sand and in silica, and that there are preserving kits for flowers. I wonder if that will work. All I can suggest about the time to pick them is when you first see them form then choose the new/fresh tails and work with those (then go back in a few days and pull some bigger ones...and give all sizes a go)

Answer 3

Except for protected wildlife/ wetland areas anytime. Untill I read the other answers I thought you meant for eating. That is early spring when the shoots are just emerging. They can be canned like green beans.

Answer 4

in new york state you can pick them any old time, i have tried preserving with hairspray, varnish, polyurathane, etc. nothing works once you have to turn your heat on for the winter, in a matter of about three days they will be swelling and bursting open.........

Answer 5

try hanging them upside down by the stem and the moisture will drain out of the bottom. if that doesn't work, then call your nearest florist.as far as the time to pick or if its illeagle, call the forrest commisioners office for that.