Cattail seeds spring revitalization
According to LeRoy G. Holm's World Weeds: Natural Histories and Distribution:


  Seeds are protected from germinating in the stalk by the swelling of the pistillodes that are distributed throughout the inflorescence. In humid conditions, they swell and keep the spike intact. They can swell 15 to 20% in 15 min in 100% relative humidity. Upon drying, the pistillodes shrivel, air again reaches the seed, and the perianth hairs spread. Their collective pressure causes the inflorescence to burst, releasing the fruits to the air. If they fall on water, the hairs close and the pericarp releases the seed which then sinks.


So it's all about the humidity!