There are many fluffy plant seeds that appear throughout the year. As I write this, Fall has just begun, and I was able to collect some American Burnweed seeds.

There are basically two types of fluffy seeds classified as pappus and coma but without diving too deeply into those classifications they are fluffy hair-like parachutes that carry the attached seeds in the wind for their propagation.

Using a spark based tool such as a ferro rod or a dry flintwheel lighter, these fluffy seeds can be easily ignited. I demonstrate this in a video
“Dandelions Make Great Tinder”

Sparks are most effective when the seed cluster is pulled out into a fluffy cloud. Once a spark is created the result is a very quick ignition so it should be placed ahead of time under dry thatch, fine twigs, or leaves to catch the brief flame which in turn can ignite tinder positioned above it.

Being aware of this tinder can be very helpful when making a camp fire or signaling fire.