Cat-tails provide protective cover and … In this review, cattail ( Typha spp.) refers to the genus or more than 1 cattail species. Fruet, A.C., L.N. Cattail, (genus Typha), genus of about 30 species of tall reedy marsh plants (family Typhaceae), found mainly in temperate and cold regions of the Northern and Southern hemispheres. The plants inhabit fresh to slightly brackish waters and are considered aquatic or semi-aquatic. Other names include reedmace and bulrush. A wetland scientist investigates hybrid cattails at Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore. Cattail multiplies quickly from wind-transported seeds, or genetically identical copies grown from existing roots. Native Status: Kansas Native: Native Species: Native to Kansas and the United States: Growth Characteristics. Notes on Taxonomy and Nomenclature Top of page. There are two species of cattails, the scientific names of which are typha angustifolia, narrow-leaved cattail, and typha latifolia, common cattail. Cattails get their name from their cylindrical flower spikes, which can be more than 1 foot long. Typha is the scientific name for cattail. They flower in the spring and summer. In Australia, people call cattails as bulrush or cumbungi. The common names for cattails include reedmace or bulrush. USDA Forest Service. Cattails are often the dominant plant species in marshes, retention ponds, and ditches; especially where water levels fluctuate. Seito, V.L. Species Overview. Narrow-leaved Cattail, Typha angustifolia L. Weed of the Week. Typha latifolia (broadleaf cattail, bulrush, common bulrush, common cattail, cat-o'-nine-tails, great reedmace, cooper's reed, cumbungi) is a perennial herbaceous plant in the genus Typha.It is found as a native plant species in North and South America, Europe, Eurasia, and Africa. 'Typha latifolia' is the scientific name for the common cattail. Typha latifolia was named by Linnaeus in 1753. Newtown Square, PA. 1 pp. Di Stasi. Common Cattail: Other Scientific Names: Common Family Name: Cat-tail: Scientific Family Name: Typhaceae: Origin. 2012. The corn dog grass, punks, and cattails are the famous names for cattails in American English. These tall, reed-like plants grow rapidly in waterlogged areas, particularly areas disturbed by human activity. Rao, and L.C. 00:00:45. The scientific name of broadleaf cattail is Typha latifolia L. (Typhaceae) [58,107]. … Growth Habit/Form: Grass: Grasses are herbaceous plants with narrow leaves originating at the base of the plant. Though most Typha species in Florida are native, they nonetheless often grow to cover large areas of wetlands, lakes and rivers.They are among the most common of all aquatic and wetland plants anywhere. It's a wildflower that's native to wetlands, freshwater marshes and ditches. It knows how to assert itself. The two species can be found growing together and cross-pollinating much of the time. 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