Scientific Family
Typhaceae
Plant type
Forbs and Subshrubs
Origin
Native
Lifecycle
Perennial
Similar species
Typha angustifolia, Typha domingensis
Height
5 to 9 feet
Riparian
Yes
Large clumps of erect stems emerge above water in aquatic environments. Also can be found in wet terrestrial areas. Spreads by rhizomes.
Perennial grass-like plants with strap-like leaves up to 2 inches wide. Typically forming colonies. Emersed in fresh water. Inflorescence is a dense elongated brown spike, male portion of the flower spike is on top of the female portion.
Habitat
Marshy areas in shallow water ponds and edges of lakes and streams. Fresh to slightly brackish water or wet soil.
Plant Community
Riparian
Low elevation
3500
High elevation
8200
Flower Characteristics
Flower spikes are cylindrical, with hundreds of tiny flowers packed together; flowers lack petals and sepals; male flowers are light brown, release large yellow to orange pollen when touched; female portion of the flower spikse are dark brown.
Flower color
Yellow, brown
Flower shape
Other
Tubular
No
First bloom month
May
Last bloom month
September
Flower clusters
Elongated
Leaf and Stem Characteristics
Dark green, flat, erect, straplike, up to 9 feet long, 2 inches wide; alternate along the stems, with sheathing bases; 12-16 leaves per stem; sheaths cylindric and open to the base.
Leaf type
Simple
Leaf color
Green
Leaf shape
Narrow
Leaf margin
Smooth
Leaves clasp
Yes
Leaf hairs
None
Spines
No
Fruit and Seed Characteristics
A tiny dry fruit (follicle) borne on a slender stalk, the stalk having many long hairs that do not expand at the tip, each follicle single-seeded.
Fruit type
Feathery
Fruit color
Tan brown
Numerous straw-colored seeds.