PLANT OF THE MONTH

December 2022 — Typha latifolia

Common Name:  Cattail

Family:  Typhaceae

Type:  Herbaceous perennial

Origin:  North America, Europe, Asia

Location at Bloedel Reserve:  Buxton Bird Marsh and Pollinator Meadow

Garden Uses:  Rain gardens and ponds

Fun Fact:  Native to wetlands across North America, Europe and Asia, this aggressive spreader provides favorable habitat and cover for wildlife including blackbirds, wrens, waterfowl, and muskrats. It is important to source native varieties to avoid introducing more aggressive hybrids from other regions. Historically many parts of the cattail have been eaten and used in a variety of ways by native peoples including basket weaving, blankets, insulation, and wound dressings.