Plant · P-980
Narrowleaf Cattail
Typha angustifolia
Narrowleaf Cattail is a fast-growing wetland perennial that colonizes pond margins and shallow water with dense rhizome mats, reaching about ten feet tall. Nearly every part is edible - starchy rhizomes, young shoots, immature flower spikes, and protein-rich pollen - and the mature spikes yield fluffy down used for insulation and tinder. Its extensive root system stabilizes wet banks and its stands provide cover for waterfowl.
Record at a glance
Growing profile
- Sun
- Full Sun · Partial Sun
- USDA zone
- USDA 2–11
- Soil
- Sand · Loam · Clay
- Moisture
- Wet
Vertical layer
Aquatic- Soil pH
- 3.7–8.5
- Plant type
- Perennial
- Mature height
- 3–7 ft
- Mature spread
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The deeper layer