Broad-Leaved Cattail

When we start to look at riparian and wetland plants the line between native and invasive species starts to get blurred.  With the right conditions some native plants will take over an ecosystem on of those plants is the common Cattail.

Cattail ( Typha Latifolia L. )

 The cattail, is your stereotypical wetland identifier in North America, and although is a native cultivation, it can be an aggressive species that thrives in nutrient rich environments which also lends it as a secondary or tertiary treatment option for some waste waters.  During hydrological, nutrient or saline quality changes, can overpower other less durable native species and create a monotypic stands.

Description: Herbaceous, rhizomatous perennials with long slender green stalks topped with brown fluffy, sausage-shaped heads

Grows to heights of 6 ft.

Cattail, Photo by Kelly,P (2015)

Uses: All parts are edible at various growth points:

• ·      Young shoots can be used for pickling or as replacement for cabbage
• ·      Base of rhizome can be boiled like potatoes
• ·      Young flower stalks can be boiled or steamed like corn
• ·      Pollen can be used as a flour substitute with bright yellow or green coloring

Management Techniques:

• ·      Heavy Grazing
• ·      Mow plants before maturation, and again when new growth is 2-3 feet high typically results in approx. 75% reduction of population.
• ·      Physical removal

(USDA, 2016b )