All about Rush Seats

"Natural rush" vs "fiber rush":

Traditionally rush seats were woven with real, natural rush which is known as the "cattail" plant. Cattails grow in marshy, swampy areas throughout much of North America and can be identified by their flower "bobs" which, oddly enough, resemble skinny corndogs. The leaves which do not have "bobs" are gathered, tied in loose, flat bundles, and left to dry for two to three weeks in a dark, airy room. The more affordable alternative to natural rush is fiber rush. Fiber Rush is a very durable, one-ply, twisted paper made to resemble twisted cattails.