Typha angustifolia aka Narrow Leaf Cattail

Typha angustifolia belongs to the cattail family and lives for years in wetlands. Its names include narrow-leaved cattail and lesser bulrush. Sources place its origin across much of the Northern Hemisphere. They list North America, Europe, Asia, and northern Africa. Sources differ on whether it is native to North America. Chicago Botanic Garden says people brought it there, where it invades. It grows beside ponds, rivers, and lakes, and in marshes. It can live in fresh water or brackish water, which contains some salt.

Plants reach 3–7 feet [0.91–2.13 metres] tall in gardens. RHS gives a lower height of 3.3–4.9 feet [1–1.5 metres]. Reported spread is 3–5 feet [0.91–1.52 metres]. RHS records wider stands of 8.2–13.1 feet [2.5–4 metres]. Creeping stems called rhizomes help it form dense stands. Long, narrow green leaves rise from the plant's base. Each leaf has parallel veins and a sheath below. The leaves have smooth edges and no hairs. Thick green stems stand upright, with smooth, round surfaces. The leaves die back each year.

Flower spikes form in summer; Chicago lists July through August. Each brown spike forms a cylinder with hundreds of tiny flowers. Male and female flowers grow in separate sections, with a gap. Wind moves pollen from flower to flower. Female flowers then form small dry fruits called achenes. The brown heads add interest beside water and in dried arrangements. Dense growth gives marsh birds shelter and places to nest. Geese and muskrats eat the stems and roots. Moose and elk eat fresh shoots in spring.

Grow this cattail in sun; it also accepts partial shade. It needs wet soil or shallow standing water. Rich loam suits it, but RHS lists several soil types. RHS allows water depths up to 1.3 feet [0.4 metres]. Its H7 rating shows that it withstands strong cold. Containers help limit its spread in a water garden. Left unchecked, it can crowd out plants along pond edges. Deep roots make stands hard to remove once they take hold. Roots may also pierce pond liners. Remove dead leaves and old flower stems in spring. Divide the rootstock in spring to grow more plants. Sources report few problems with pests or disease.

All parts are edible when gathered at the right stage. Records list roots, shoots, stem bases, seeds, and pollen as foods. PFAF lists no known hazards. Leaves and stems provide material for weaving, thatch, and paper. Indigenous peoples also used this plant for boats and bedding. PFAF records uses as medicine but warns against pollen remedies during pregnancy.