Typha angustifolia
slender-leaved cattail
Europe (native there; invasive status debated in North America — likely both native and introduced genotypes)Overview
Typha angustifolia is a robust, rhizomatous, emergent aquatic perennial in the cattail family (Typhaceae) reaching 48–96 inches (120–240 cm) tall with a 24–48 inch (60–120 cm) spread, forming dense monoculture stands in marshes, ditches, and pond margins. Leaves are erect, narrow, linear, 0.2–0.4 inch (5–10 mm) wide (versus 0.4–1 inch / 10–25 mm in T. latifolia), gray-green, with a distinctive D-shaped cross-section (convex on the back, flat on the inner face). The inflorescence is the diagnostic feature: a terminal spike with a brown, cylindrical female (pistillate) portion 2–6 inches (5–15 cm) long and a narrower, yellowish male (staminate) portion above, separated by a gap of 0.5–4 inches (1–10 cm) of bare stem — the gap is the primary distinction from T. latifolia, in which the male and female portions are contiguous. A single female spike produces 100,000–700,000 seeds, each with a tuft of fine hairs enabling wind and water dispersal. Rhizomes are thick, starchy, spreading laterally to form dense stands. Hybridizes readily with T. latifolia to produce T. x glauca, which is often more aggressive than either parent. Tolerates deeper water than T. latifolia.
Native Range
Native range debated; likely native to Europe with some native North American populations, but also introduced genotypes present. Occurs in marshes, ditches, pond margins, roadside swales, and constructed wetlands from sea level to approximately 6,000 feet (1,800 m). In the Pacific Northwest, increasingly common in disturbed wetlands, ditches, and constructed stormwater facilities. Tolerates brackish and polluted water.Suggested Uses
Used in wetland identification for the gap-versus-no-gap cattail comparison: T. angustifolia (gap between male and female spikes, narrow leaves) versus T. latifolia (contiguous spikes, broad leaves) versus hybrid T. x glauca (intermediate). The massive seed output (up to 700,000 per spike) is a primary teaching example in reproductive allocation. The rhizome starch, young shoot edibility, and fiber use are taught in ethnobotany. Used in constructed wetlands for phytoremediation of nutrient-rich and polluted water.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height4' - 8'
Width/Spread2' - 4'
Bloom Information
Flowers from June through August. Male spikes release pollen first (protandry), then wither. Female spikes mature over 4–6 weeks, turning dark brown. Seeds disperse from late fall through winter as the spike disintegrates. A single spike releases 100,000–700,000 seeds. In the Pacific Northwest, the brown female spikes are visible from July through the following spring.Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Brown (female spike), yellow (male spike)Foliage Description
Gray-green to dark green, narrow, linear, erect, 0.2-0.4 inch (5-10 mm) wide; D-shaped in cross-section (convex on one side, flat on the other)Growing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-12 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight