Eleocharis spp
‘otter weed ’
Other: ceremonial. This plant is used, like cattails, on the floor of the Sun Dance lodge. This is identified by Arapahos as a ‘reed.’ Toll identifies the plant as ‘common spike rush.’ Kroeber however identifies it as a “composite” though he translates the term as ‘otter weed.’ Kroeber’s identification is probably an error. This is Dorsey’s “Otter Weed.” He reports that the plant was used in conjunction with the Buffao Skull during the Sun Dance as well. The Cheyenne make the same use of Eleocharis.