Wetlands

Question
Our back yard is very wet much of the year due to natural springs uphill from us. It was suggested that we make it a Wetland by planting Cat tails and Iris because they will use a lot of water. I am trying to find cat tails, but the only ones that I see are by the side of many roads. Is that brown hot dog thing that they grow just a flower, or a seed pod? Could I break some off and grow plants from it, or do I have to do it by the roots? If the former, how would I best do it?  Will they spread naturally, or need to be divided? Thank You

Answer
The brown part is the seed pod.  The fuzzy white things inside are the seeds.  Collect these and start in late spring or early summer.  Let the seeds germinate for a week in sand and water.  Gently push the seeds into the sand; don't bury them.  After about a month, place them in a sunny area and let them grow to 2" tall.  Re-plant them in a larger pot and let them grow to 1' tall.  They can now be relocated outside.  If planted in water, try not to exceed 6" of stagnant water.  They will spread after a few seasons.  You could also try digging one up and re-planting it.  However, the roots are not very strong and a tall one may topple over.