What type of tall grass, known for its strong woody stem, is often used as a building material?

Bamboo is a type of tall grass renowned for its strength and durability. It features a strong, woody stem, making it an ideal material for construction purposes. Architects and builders often utilize bamboo for scaffolding, flooring, and even housing structures due to its light weight and flexibility, which allows it to withstand environmental stresses better than many traditional building materials.

The utility of bamboo extends beyond construction; it is also used in making furniture, crafts, and even musical instruments, showcasing its versatility. Additionally, bamboo grows quickly, making it a sustainable resource, as it can be harvested within a few years of planting, unlike traditional hardwood which can take decades to mature.

The other choices—reed, cattail, and rush—are primarily known for their specific ecological roles or uses in crafts, but they do not possess the same structural strength and durability as bamboo, which limits their application as building materials.