The cattails are ready for harvest now. Most people view them as a fairly harmless water-loving plant, but don't realize that they are actually wild sausage plants. The ones in the picture are of the "frankfurter" variety, but you can also find "polish", "italian", and "country link" plants if you know where to look. When they do get ripe, you have to pick them quickly because they are often eaten by wild animals who appreciate Nature's bounty being served to them on a stick.