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Typha angustifolia

Narrowleaf Cattail

Flat, sword-like, gray-green leaves arise from the plant base, turning bright yellow in the fall. The cylindrical, velvet-brown flowers are often used for fresh or dried flower arrangements.

  • »  Clumping spreading stands of narrow sword-like leaves
  • »  Central flower stalks are equal to the height of the leaves
  • »  Male and female flowers are held separately
  • »  Cylindrical flower remnants turn brown after fertilization
  • »  Male flowers disperse, leaving the familiar fruiting spikes used in floral arrangements
  • »  Can self-seed or spread by rhizomes
  • »  Commonly aggressive
  • »  Bloom Time: Early to midsummer
  • »  Foliage Height: 200 cm

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  • Category:Grasses
  • Hardiness Zone:3
  • Height:175-200 cm
  • Spread:200-500 cm
  • Bloom Color: Brown
Exposure
• Full Sun
• Partial Sun/Shade
Attracts Wildlife
• Attracts Birds
Growth Rate
• Fast
Flowering Time
• Summer
• Lt. Sum-Fall
• Fall
• Winter
Habit
• Spreading
• Upright
Foliage Color
• Green
Planting instructions
• Container Plants
Additional Information about Typha angustifolia

Native to Ontario and most of North America. Seeds, stems and roots are edible cooked, mashed, or ground into powders.

Growing & Maintenance Tips for Typha angustifolia

Cattails grow best in shallow water along pond edges or in swamps. They provide cover and food for wildlife. Roots can go deep, and become difficult to remove. If planting in small ponds, a root restrainer will be necessary.