Typha latifolia - Cattail
Family Typhaceae

Description:

About ten species of Typha are native around the world. They are herbaceous plants, aquatic or semi-aquatic. This species ranges across northern Africa, Asia, Europe, and North America. Leaves are slender and grass-like. Flower stalks stand among to above the leaves. Tiny flowers are crowded into a dense cluster at the top of the stalk. The underground rhizomes are starchy and eaten by wildlife and people. Colonies of this plant provide cover for marsh birds.

Location:

See this plant along natural waterways throughout campus.

Size:

Herbaceous plant with underground stems and leaves about six feet tall.

Care Instructions:

Light: full sun

Water: requires a wet soil, tolerates flooding

Soil: adaptable to a wide pH range

This native plant is not commonly cultivated but is easy to grow in wet sites. It can be aggressive, especially in areas with fertilizer run-off.