CATTAIL, LESSER (Typha angustifolia L)

Family: Family: Typhaceae

Sponsor: Jenifer Parsons (509) 457-7136; jenp461@ecy.wa.gov

Key identifying traits:

Lesser cattail (T. angustifolia) tends to have narrower leaves than common cattail (T. latifolia). Also, usually the male flowers of lesser cattail are separated from the female flowers by a section of naked stem. The flowering head of the lesser cattail tends to be much narrower than that of the common cattail. These are often seen in flower arrangements.

Common cattail (T. latifolia) - The male flowers of common cattail are attached to the stalk directly above the female flowers.

However, robust hybrids between the two plants will form, (called T. x glauca), and this can make positive identification of the species difficult. Microscopic characters must be used in these cases.

Biology:

• Perennial. Reproduces by wind-borne seeds, also spreads by rhizomes.
• Grows along the shoreline where the muddy soil is wet or flooded at least part of the year.
• Lesser cattail will grow in water to three feet deep..
• Native to Europe, and may also be native to the eastern United States or may have been introduced by shipping during colonial days.
• Allelopathic chemicals that inhibit the growth of other plants are produced by several cattail species. This may give it a competitive advantage over other wetland plants.

Threats:

• It has been shown to displace native emergent wetland plants in the prairie potholes region of the Midwest.
• It forms dense stands that provide less desirable habitat for waterfowl and other animals than the more open mixed stands of bulrush and common cattail.
• So far it has been found in Clear Lake, Pierce County and Sawyer Lake, King County.
• Lesser cattail is new to the 1999 Monitor List.

If you find this species please contact the designated sponsor or the Education Specialist. If you find this species please contact the designated sponsor or the Education Specialist. 

This page was last updated 03/31/07