Typha

(Typhaceae - cat-tail family)

About 15 species of perennial herbs of wetlands. Widely distributed. They bear the familiar seed spikes known as "cat-tails". The plants grow in moist to wet soil or shallow water, and spread by means of rhizomes to form dense stands. Some species will tolerate brackish water. Cat-tails are sometimes cultivated as ornamentals. Other uses include wildlife cover and food, human food, stems for weaving material, and seed floss for stuffing pillows and other articles.

angustifolia

peren • ht 6' • zones 3-10

narrow-leaved cat-tail

edible, native, wildlife, moist - wet, sun
N and S Amer; Eurasia

A bit smaller and with narrower leaves than Typha latifolia. The cat-tails are about 7" long and 1" in diameter.

cat # 8Z3D
$7.95 each / 3+, $7.50 ea

latifolia

peren • ht 5-9' • zones 3-10

common cat-tail

edible, native, wildlife, moist - wet, sun
N Amer; Eurasia

Leaves are tall, upright, and slender, about 1" wide. The cat-tails are about 5" long and 1" in diameter.

cat # 8Z3M
$7.95 each / 3+, $7.50 ea