Typha latifolia L.

Common Cat Tail; Broadleaf Cat Tail

Herb

Perennial

Vascular

Common Cat Tail is a native herbaceous perennial in the Cat-Tail family (Typhaceae). It is native to all of Alabama. Common Cat Tail occurs in shallow fresh or brackish water and wet soil of marshes, ponds and lakes, beaver ponds, and roadside ditches. It is a perennial from thick rhizomes, often forming large clones. Erect shoots are 4-9 feet in height. Leaves are distichously arranged, linear, glabrous and sometimes glaucous, entire, and light green in color. The leaf sheaths are cylindrical and enclose the stem. Flowers are produced in terminal spikes. Staminate flowers are above pistillate flowers and contiguous or separated by 4-8 cm of naked axis. Staminate flowers have 3 stamens intermixed with long hairs. Pistillate flowers have an ovary on a long hairy stalk. Sterile flowers are often present on long hairy stalks. The fruit is an achene. Common Cat Tail leaves have been used for roof thatch, mats, baskets, and for caning chairs. The fluffy fruit has been used for tinder, insulation, and for stuffing pillows and mattresses. Young shoots, the starchy rhizomes, and pollen are edible. Common Cat Tail stands provide valuable habitat for wildlife and removes pollutants and excess nutrients from the water. It can become a serious weed in nutrient rich waters.—A. Diamond

**

Native OBL (NWPL)

**