Dwarf Cattail

Typha minima

Family:
Typhaceae

Lifecycle:
Perennial

Native or Introduced:
Introduced

Nutrient Removal Rating:
Medium

Wildlife Value:
Low

Rooted or Floating:
Rooted

Site Requirements:
Full sun to part shade

Maximum Water Depth:
3-6 inches

Plant Description:
Dwarf cattail is an herbaceous perennial that can grow to be as tall as 24 inches. It produces flexible, slender, green, spike-like leaves and a rigid flower stalk. Flowering stalks are topped with a spike. Male flowers are clustered at the top of the spike while female flowers are clustered at the bottom. Sometimes there is a short gap between the male and female flowers.

Flowering occurs in summer, and flowering spikes remain until winter. Dwarf cattail is native to Europe and Asia where it grows in swamps and marshes.