Typha latifolia

Typha latifolia is native throughout the southeast, found primarily in wetland habitats. It grows in full sun to part shade, and in soils that are wet to moist. It has tall grass-like leaves that die back in the winter, and typically grows five feet or higher. It has unique elongate clusters of flowers that resemble a cat’s tails (hence the common name Cattail). Small mammals eat the rhizomes of this plant, and birds use them for nesting material. Typha latifolia can be a vigorous spreader, so it is best placed in areas where it is safe to establish a colony. It works well in wetland mitigation projects.