Typha latifolia
Typhaceae
Broadleaf Cattail
Erect, stout, undivided stems. Leaves upright, long, narrow, 1/2–1 1/2 in. wide, attached along stem, reaching about same height as flower spike. Inflorescence is a round thick spike; lower section thicker, holds female flowers; male flowers in thinner tail portion above. Female flowers green when fresh, aging dark brown. Male and female portions meet without space between. Grows in ponds, along lakes, all shallow waters, at low to mid elevations. Typha angustifolia, narrowleaf cattail, ages to pale brown, has space on stem between male flower portion above and female portion below.
- Rarity: Common
- Flowering Time: Late Spring, Early Summer
- Flower Form: Petals Absent or Not Apparent
- Life Cycle: Perennial
- Height: 3–8 feet
- Habitat: Bog/Fen/Wetland, Lake/Pond
- Found In: Columbia Basin, Mt. Rainier NP, N Cascades NP, Olympic NP, Siskiyous, Steens, Throughout Our Region, Wallowas
- Native: Yes
- Also Known As: Common Cattail
