Broadleaf Cattail
Typha latifolia
A tall, robust wetland perennial featuring long, flat, strap-like green leaves and distinctive cylindrical, brown, velvety flowering spikes at the stems' tips.
- Light
- Full sun, requiring at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal growth.
- Water
- High moisture requirements; grows directly in water up to several inches deep or in constantly saturated mud. Does not tolerate drought.
- Growth
- Perennial wetland emergent grass-like plant spreading via extensive underground rhizomes, growing from 3 to 10 feet tall with a fast spread rate.
Care instructions
Requires continuously wet or saturated soil, full sun exposure, and no specialized feeding when grown in natural wetland or garden pond conditions.
Growing details
Sunlight
Full sun, requiring at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal growth.
Watering
High moisture requirements; grows directly in water up to several inches deep or in constantly saturated mud. Does not tolerate drought.
Soil
Adaptable to heavy clay, silt, or loamy organic soils with neutral to slightly acidic or alkaline pH ranges.
Hardiness zone
USDA zones 3 through 10.
Growth habit
Perennial wetland emergent grass-like plant spreading via extensive underground rhizomes, growing from 3 to 10 feet tall with a fast spread rate.
Bloom season
Flowers from early summer to mid-summer, producing dense brown cylindrical spikes containing tiny flowers.
Propagation
Propagates readily through division of established root rhizomes in spring or by seed dispersal via wind.
Common pests & issues
Generally resilient against pests and diseases, though occasionally susceptible to fungal leaf spots or rusts in stagnant conditions.
Similar species
Narrow-leaf Cattail (Typha angustifolia), which features narrower leaves and a distinct gap between the male and female flower spikes.