Broadleaf Cattail Plant Information
- Broadleaf cattail grows to a mature height of between 3 to 9 feet, producing unbranched stems and dull green leaves lined with parallel veins. Spikes of brown or golden flowers sit atop the stems from spring until autumn. Broadleaf cattail spreads easily thanks to its creeping rootstocks and is often found in dense groves. The plant is similar in appearance to narrowleaf cattail (T. angustifolia), although the narrowleaf cattail has narrower leaves and typically does not exceed a mature height of 5 feet.
- Broadleaf cattail grows naturally throughout much of the United States and parts of Canada. The plant thrives in fresh or brackish marshes and is found around lakes, ponds and streams across the globe in both temperate and tropical climates. Broadleaf cattail may grow in shallow water as well as consistently moist soil. The plant rarely grows in water deeper than 8 feet and may occur at elevations as high as 7,000 feet.
- Cattails are low-maintenance garden plants that may be cultivated easily in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 2 to 11. Broadleaf cattail does best when grown in a bright, full-sun location near the edge of a body of water. The plant quickly dies if transplanted into soil that isn't consistently waterlogged. Propagate the plant by dividing the rootstocks. Planting it in an underwater container or putting up a barrier prevents its aggressive spread.
- Broadleaf cattail offers ornamental appeal, as well as a habitat for wild birds, such as bitterns, red-winged blackbirds, ducks and geese. Animals, such as beavers, muskrats and finches, enjoy feeding on the plant. All parts of the broadleaf cattail are edible for humans. The young shoots may be eaten raw or cooked, and the flower heads may be boiled and eaten when immature. The pollen may be mixed into wheat flour creating protein-rich flour. Sturdy baskets are made from woven cattail leaves.
