Page 37 - A Field Guide to Fairfax County's Plants and Wildlife
P. 37
mon Cattail

(Typha latifolia)

Description Cattails have many uses. The leaves
can be used to weave baskets; glue
Growing up to 2 to 3 can be made from the stem; its
meters tall, these sturdy pollen is used in fireworks; and the
plants have long leaf plant itself is used as a biofuel. It is
blades. The brown also great at absorbing pollutants
cylindrical flower can be including heavy metals. Because of
seen May to July. In the this, cattails are used to help treat
fall they release lots of sewage and wastewater in wetlands
fluffy white seeds which constructed to treat pollution.
are spread by the wind
and water.

Distribution and
Habitat

Cattails are always found
near water and prefer to be in full
sun. They form dense stands in
shallow, slow-moving or still water,
such as along the edges of marshes
and ponds. They are found in all five
physiographic provinces.

Role in Food Web

Canada Geese, Muskrats and
several species of ducks feed on
Common Cattails.

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