The bulrush (Typha latifolia) is an impressive, truncheon-like plant found in wet habitats. It is much more common in Helsinki nowadays than it was a hundred years ago.
In the past, bulrush leaves were used to make rugs and the inflorescences were used as pillow stuffing along with down. The thick stems and spring buds were also eaten as food.
Photo Jussi Helimäki.