A tall wetland plant with distinctive cylindrical brown seed-heads. Foundation species of wetland communities; provides nesting habitat for many marsh birds.

Also called: Broadleaf Cattail, Bulrush (colloquial; bulrushes are different),

Native status: Native; cosmopolitan in Northern Hemisphere

§ Quick facts

SizeHeight 1.5–3 m (5–10 ft); inflorescence 15–30 cm long
WeightN/A
LifespanPerennial; rhizomatous clones can persist for many decades
OrderPoales
FamilyTyphaceae

§ Encyclopedia

Typha latifolia is a perennial herbaceous wetland plant in the genus Typha. It is known in English as bulrush, and in North America as broadleaf cattail. It is found as a native plant species throughout most of Eurasia and North America, and more locally in Africa and South America. The genome of T. latifolia was published in 2022.

Source: Wikipedia — Typha latifolia Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

§ Identification

Field marks. Tall wetland plant with long flat sword-shaped blue-green leaves; distinctive cylindrical brown seed head with separate yellowish male spike above.

Similar species. Narrow-leaved Cattail (T. angustifolia — narrower leaves, gap between male and female flowers). Hybrid Cattail (T. × glauca — intermediate, invasive). Sweet Flag (different family, similar leaves).

Voice. N/A

§ Diet & behavior

Diet. N/A — photosynthesis

Behavior. Among the most productive plants on Earth — single hectare of cattail marsh can produce 20+ tonnes of plant biomass per year, supporting waterfowl, marsh birds, muskrats, frogs, and amphibians. Tightly packed cylindrical "cattail" is actually composed of thousands of tiny female flowers above tiny male flowers. Indigenous peoples used virtually every part: roots as starchy food, pollen as protein-rich flour, leaves for mats and basketry, fluff for insulation and tinder. Hybrid cattail (T. × glauca) is invasive in many wetlands.

§ Range

Across most of North America

§ Habitat

Marshes, ponds, wet meadows

§ Threats

Wetland drainage, invasive species (hybrid cattail).

§ Conservation status

According to the IUCN Red List, the common cattail is currently classified as Least Concern.

§ What helps

Support wetland protection. Maintain natural marsh hydrology.

Support our work More ways to help

§ Further reading

§ Sources cited

  • USDA Plants Database
  • Ducks Unlimited wetland habitat guides
  • New England Wild Flower Society
  • Native Plant Trust