Species Detail Forb

Flower heads		Yavapai County Native & Naturalized Plants Typha latifolia - Broadleaf cattail Plant Form: Forb or Subshrub Family: Typhaceae
Flower heads


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Forb Plant Description

Origin: Native Life Cycle: Perennial Similar Species: Typha angustifolia, Typha domingensis
General Desc: Large clumps of erect stems emerge above water in aquatic environments. Also can be found in wet terrestrial areas. Spreads by rhizomes.
Identification notes: Perennial grass-like plants with strap-like leaves up to 2 inches wide. Typically forming colonies. Emersed in fresh water. Inflorescence is a dense elongated brown spike, male portion of the flower spike is on top of the female portion.
Height: 5 to 9 feet

Habitat

Habitat Description: Marshy areas in shallow water ponds and edges of lakes and streams. Fresh to slightly brackish water or wet soil.
Plant Communities: Riparian
Elevation: 3500 - 8200 feet

Flower Characteristics

Color: Yellow, brown Shape: Other in elongated clusters Tubular: N Flowering Period: May - Sep
Description: Flower spikes are cylindrical, with hundreds of tiny flowers packed together; flowers lack petals and sepals; male flowers are light brown, release large yellow to orange pollen when touched; female portion of the flower spikse are dark brown.

Leaf and Stem Characteristics

Leaf Color: Green Leaf Type: Simple Leaf Shape: Narrow Leaf Margin: Smooth Leaf Attachment: Alternate Leaves Clasp: Y
Hairs: No Spines: N
Leaf Description: Dark green, flat, erect, straplike, up to 9 feet long, 2 inches wide; alternate along the stems, with sheathing bases; 12-16 leaves per stem; sheaths cylindric and open to the base.

Fruit and Seed Characteristics

Fruit Color: Tan brown
Fruit Type: Feathery
Fruit Notes: A tiny dry fruit (follicle) borne on a slender stalk, the stalk having many long hairs that do not expand at the tip, each follicle single-seeded.
Seed Notes: Numerous straw-colored seeds.


	Arizona Cooperative Extension Yavapai County 840 Rodeo Dr #C Prescott, AZ 86305 (928) 445-6590	Version 8.0 http://cales.arizona.edu/yavapaiplants/SpeciesDetailForb.php Last Updated: Dec 13, 2022 Content Questions/Comments: Email Matt Halldorson Legal Disclaimer