Broadleaf Cattail

 Broadleaf Cattail - Typha latifolia – 
 
Light: Full sun
Soil: Wet to saturated; tolerates standing water
Height: 1.5 – 3 m
Bloom: Summer
Flowers: Tall brown cylindrical spikes (“cat tails”)
 
 Description:
A true wetland engineer, Broadleaf Cattail (Typha latifolia) is one of nature’s most efficient systems for cleaning, cooling, and stabilizing water-rich environments. Its dense rhizomes and upright stems trap sediments, filter pollutants, and store carbon, making it indispensable for novel ecosystems and pocket wetland designs.
Ideal for urban rain gardens, stormwater swales, and small wetland restorations, Typha latifolia mimics the hydrological function of larger wetlands on a compact scale — transforming standing water or runoff zones into thriving micro-ecosystems.
 
Ecological Benefits:
Filters excess nutrients and improves water clarity
Provides critical habitat for birds, amphibians, and insects
Stabilizes banks and shorelines, reducing erosion
Acts as a natural biofilter in pocket wet features and retention areas
Supports biodiversity and eco-hydrological resilience
 
 Did You Know?
Cattails are pioneers of recovery — among the first to colonize disturbed wet areas, helping jump-start ecological succession and lay the groundwork for diverse wetland communities.
 Planting to Protect. Restoring to Thrive.
 Origin Native Plants – Guelph, Ontario
 
OriginNativePlants.com

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