Common+Cattail

Bulrush (Common Cattail) //Typha latifolia//

http://plants.usda.gov/java/largeImage?imageID=tyla_004_avp.tif http://plants.usda.gov/java/largeImage?imageID=tydo_002_avp.jpg
 * Photo Sources:**
 * Facts:**[[image:tyla_004_svp.jpg]] [[image:tydo_002_svp.jpg]]
 * __Height__: 5 ft. at maturity, root depth is 14 in.
 * __Reproduction__:
 * __Bloom Time__: Late spring. Perennial, active growth in the Spring and Summer, moderate regrowth rate.
 * __Group__: Monoco**t**
 * __Growth Rate__: Rapid
 * __Planting__: Must be planted from bare rootstalk or seedlings or directly seeded into soil.


 * Habitat/Location:** Adapted to all soil types with a high anaerobic tolerance. pH ranges from 5.5-8.7; precipitation ranges from 14-180. Has a low salinity tolerance and intermediate shade tolerance. Can survive at a min. temperature of -36*F. Wetland indicator plant species. Can tolerate mild salinity. Native to North America, Greenland and France.


 * Uses:**
 * All parts of the cattail are edible at appropriate growth stages.
 * Indians in Nevada used to use the yellow pollen as flour, underground stems can be eaten raw, baked, roasted or broiled. Also used as bedding and in ceremonies.
 * When mixed with tallow, brown fuss can be chewed as gum.
 * __Functional__: Stems and leaves were used to make boats and corded into rope.
 * Food source for many wildlife animals inc. moose, elk, geese and muskrats.


 * Water Purification:**
 * Nutrient and heavy metal retention qualities. Has a high tolerance to heavy metals such as lead, zinc, copper and nickel. Will accumulate and remove nitrate, lead, cadmium, cobalt and zinc from the water. Can also store and remove large amounts of nitrogen and phosphorous. Wetlands that include the common cattail have been reconstructed to treat wastewater from farms, sewage treatment facilities and parking lots.

//Sources:// //http://eol.org/pages/526590/details// //http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=tyla// //http://www.desline.com/articoli/10479.pdf// //http://www.rook.org/earl/bwca/nature/aquatics/typhalat.html// //http://water.epa.gov/type/wetlands/marsh.cfm//