Stems erect, cylindric and pithy; plants emerge from water in aquatic environments; spread by rhizomes; leaves yellowish-green, alternate along the stems, with sheathing bases; 6 to 9 leaves per stem.
Flower spikes have 1/2 to 1-1/2 inches gap between male and female flowers; leaves narrow, light yellowish-green, 1/4 to 3/4 inch wide, blade cross sections slightly crescent-moon shaped.T. latifolia no gap in flower spike and wider, flat leaves.
Habitat
Marshy areas in shallow water and at marshy areas at lake edges.
Flower Characteristics
Male flowers form on a clublike spike towards top of plant and are yellowish and minute; female flowers light brown, form in a brownish cylinder beneath male flowers.
Leaf and Stem Characteristics
Leaves erect, strap-like; 6 feet long by 1/4 to 3/4 inch wide.
Fruit and Seed Characteristics
Exceeded by and hidden among pistil hairs, very light brown, apex rounded.
Numerous seeds produced.