Typha

Typha is a genus of about 10 to 20 species of perennial aquatic plants commonly known as cattails or bulrushes. They belong to the family Typhaceae and are native to wetlands across temperate and tropical regions of the world. Typha species are emergent plants that form dense stands in still or slow-moving water, such as ponds, marshes, and the edges of lakes and streams.

Description and habitat. Leaves are long, flat, and narrow, arising from a rhizome and reaching lengths of several meters. The flowers are arranged in distinctive cylindrical inflorescences: a brown, sausage-shaped spike that rises above the water, with male and female parts often appearing on different sections. After flowering, fluffy seed heads disperse by wind. Typha latifolia (broadleaf cattail), Typha angustifolia (narrowleaf cattail), Typha domingensis (southern cattail), and Typha × glauca (a hybrid) are among the most widespread species. In parts of North America, Typha × glauca is an invasive hybrid that forms dense stands and can reduce biodiversity and alter hydrology.

Ecology and uses. Typha species provide habitat and food for waterfowl, insects, and amphibians, and they contribute to nutrient uptake in wetlands and wastewater treatment systems. They can stabilize shorelines and aid in erosion control. Their tissues have been used by Indigenous peoples and others for food and fiber; young shoots and rhizomes are edible, and cattail pollen has historically been used as a flour substitute.

Management. In areas where Typha stands are invasive or overly dominant, control methods include mechanical removal, water-level manipulation, controlled burning, and, where appropriate, herbicide treatment. Long-term management is often required due to persistent rhizomes.