Narrow-leaved Cattail

(Typha angustifolia)

Narrow-leaved Cattail (Typha angustifolia L.)

Identification: Flowers brown divided into lower female flowers and upper male flowers. Lower female flowers arranged in a sausage-like, persistent spike. Male flowers in a narrower, non-persistent tail above the female flowers and separated by a wide stretch of bare stem. Leaves long, very narrow, arising from the base of the plant. Plant 7 to 12 feet in height.

Distribution: Throughout most of North America except for the southeastern United States.

Habitat: Narrow-leaved Cattail is found in a variety of habitats including both freshwater and brackish marshes, swamp, and ditches.

Flowering period: May to July.

Similar Species: The male and female flower groups of Common Cattail touch and are not separated by a wide space. The leaves are generally wider than those of Narrow-leaved Cattail.