Cattails are erect, rhizomatous perenials that grow from 3 to 7 feet
tall and have the potential to form dense stands in aquatic habitats.
Interesting facts
North american cattails have an interesting taxonomic history. The first
cattails in the US were recorded in 1836 in the New England area. They
identified both a native species (Typha gracilis) with a very
restricted US range and a european species (Typha angustifolia).
By 1850 the two species were lumped together as Typha angustifolia
(citation).
Today there are two common species in the US, the invasive Typha
angustifolia and the native Typha latifolia, of which can
form
hybrids with each other. There are two other native US species, namely
Typha domingensis and Typha x glauca.
VIDEO
Links to more information
History
of Cattails - and more detailed information such as cattail foodchains
and uses by humans.
Species
information - USDA Plants Database on Typha with links
to other sources of information.
Species
information - great source of information and references about
Typha species from Purdue's extension of plant products.