Plant Profile: Typha angustifolia

Narrow-leaf Cattail is a species that can be both native and introduced, thriving in brackish and freshwater environments such as marshes and wetlands. This plant propagates through rhizomes, allowing it to rapidly colonize and dominate an area. The leaves typically reach heights of 3 to 6 feet and measure between 1/4 and 1/2 inch in width, displaying a vibrant green color. The flower stem, also green, features a densely packed brown cylindrical cluster of small flowers, with female flowers positioned distally and male flowers proximally, separated by a gap of half an inch to several inches. Wind serves as the primary agent for their pollination.

To manage their growth and prevent uncontrolled spread, Narrow-leaf Cattails can be cultivated in 5-gallon buckets, making them suitable for water gardens. They thrive when submerged in up to a foot of water and can flourish in conditions ranging from full sun to partial shade.