CATTAIL FAMILY (Typhaceae)
IND. STATUS: OBL
FIELD CHARACTERISTICS: Similar to broad-leaved cattail (T. latifolia) except that the staminate and pistillate portions of the spike are separated by 2 cm. or more of bare stem, the leaves are deep green and, overall, the plant is less robust. Also, the leaves typically extend beyond the spike.
ECOLOGICAL NOTES: Similar to broad-leaved cattail; however, narrowleaved cattail tolerates more mixosaline and calcareous waters than broadleaved cattail. It may form floating mats. Wildlife values are similar to those described for broad-leaved cattail. Broad-leaved and narrow-leaved cattail freely hybridize to form the hybrid, Typha x glauca Gordon.
SOURCE: Fassett (1957); Fernald (1970); Gleason and Cronquist (1991); and Voss (1972).