The crosscut stems of rush (Juncus spp.), cattail (Typha latifolia), and reed (Phragmites communis) illustrate basic differences in taxonomy of these pond plants.

The rush stems have a foam-like core that dries limp instead of rigid. Native peoples used rushes for mats in their dwellings and for crafts. Yellow-headed blackbirds and marsh wrens weave their nests on the reeds and rushes with the leaves and other plant material.

Cattail stems have a firm vegetable core that developes a hard outer surface as the plants mature. All parts of the plant are edible and were harvested at different times, used in raw or powdered forms by Native Peoples. The plant spreads by its heavy rhizome roots.

The reed stem, used throughout the world for thatching roofs, is hollow and dries well for long-term durability. Thick tangled rhizome roots catch dead plant material and dirt and build soil on pond edges eventually shrinking water surface area. McNary pond has lost many acres to this plant in the last twenty years. The hard rigid stems were used by Native Peoples for mats on the frames of their dwellings. Leaves were used for baskets and floor mats.