Broad-leaved cattail

Scientific name

Typha latifolia

Description

Broad-leaved Cattail is a perennial species of wetland plant that can grow up to 3 m tall. It has basal leaves that are 2-4 cm wide, with parallel veins that run the length of the leaves. Broad-leaved cattail has two flowering spikes at the terminal end of the plant that are dark brown in colour when mature. These flower spikes resemble a cat's tail, hence the common name and bloom mid-late summer. Broad-leaved Cattail has rhizomatous root systems that can quickly form dense colonies, which can help prevent erosion. Broad-leaved Cattail provides shelter for several species of birds and the roots provide food for waterfowl and mammals.

Planting conditions

Broad-leaved Cattail prefers moist to wet conditions and will grow in standing water up to 15 cm deep. It prefers sand, loam or clay type soils and is intolerant to shade. Broad-leaved Cattail can naturally be found growing in marshes, ponds, lake shores, streams, and ditches.

Details

• Plant height:
  • Max 3m
  • Any
• Moisture level:
  • Moist
  • Wet
  • Flood Tolerant
• Light conditions:
  • Full sun
• Soil type:
  • Sandy
  • Loamy
  • Clay
• pH:
  • Acidic
  • Basic
  • Normal
• Depth:
  • Potted
  • Bareroot
• Eco Zone:
  • 5a
• Plant type:
  • Wildflower
• Height:
  • 3 m
• Spread:
  • 1 m