Typha latifolia aka Bulrush

Typha latifolia is a wetland perennial in the Typhaceae family. Gardeners know it as common cattail or broadleaf cattail. Its native range spans much of the temperate Northern Hemisphere. It also reaches parts of South America, Africa, and southern India. It is native to Britain and Ireland. It grows in marshes, ponds, lakes, and slow streams. It can live in fresh water and slightly salty marshes.

This upright plant forms broad clumps through spreading underground stems called rhizomes. Garden plants reach about 5–8 feet (1.5–2.5 metres) tall. Some sources report heights of 10 feet (3 metres). North Carolina State lists widths of 4–6 feet (1.2–1.8 metres). The RHS reports colonies wider than 26 feet (8 metres). Its green stems stand straight and do not branch. Flat, sword-shaped leaves rise from the base and have parallel veins. Their grey-green blades turn yellow in fall, then die back.

Small flowers crowd into long, round spikes on tall stalks. Male flowers sit above the female flowers on each spike. Hairs on the female flowers catch pollen carried by wind. The male section breaks down once pollination ends. The brown lower spike remains as the familiar cattail head. Chicago records bloom in May and June. North Carolina records flowers from May through July. Other sources place bloom later in summer. Brown fruits appear from June through November in North Carolina. The spikes suit both fresh and dried flower arrangements.

Grow it in full sun, though it also tolerates partial shade. It needs fertile, wet soil or shallow water at pond edges. It accepts clay, loam, and sand across a broad pH range. RHS guidance places it in water up to 1 foot (0.3 metres) deep. Sources list USDA zones 3–10 and UK hardiness H6. It grows fast and can crowd out other wetland plants. Containers help limit its spread in small ponds. Its roots may pierce pond liners. Pests and diseases seldom cause problems. Divide plants in spring and clear dead growth before new shoots emerge.

Birds use cattails for nest material, and small mammals eat the rhizomes. People use the leaves and stems for thatch, mats, and paper. The plant also supports wetland restoration and helps hold soil. Young shoots and rhizomes are edible raw or cooked. Pollen can serve as flour. Harvest food only from sites free of pollution. Sources report no known toxic hazards. Traditional medicinal uses do not establish safety; medicinal pollen is unsuitable during pregnancy.