Native American Water Plants: Cattail Plant Overview
Typha, or Cattail Plant, has many appealing characteristics. From its statuesque height to clean lines and peaceful appearance, the plant is a welcomed sight to ponds, wetlands and water-wise landscapes.
Landscape Texture and Structure of Cattail Plant
The growth habit and structure of these species is robust and upright. As the name suggests, narrow foliage shoots up from the center of the plant in a very vertical fashion. Individual plants provide height and strong lines to the landscape. When established, large groupings of these fill in to form thick and orderly colonies. The appearance is natural and well-planned. Leaves are smooth with a tough texture. They gracefully wave in the wind creating soft movement. They have presence without appearing overpowering. Upright growth creates rhythm and draws the eye up and through spaces that need vertical appeal.
Growing Conditions and Care of Cattail Plant
Thriving in evenly moist conditions and full sun, it does well in locations that receive ample sunlight. Sun encourages healthy and uniform growth while keeping stems erect. This moisture lover excels in saturated soil or where water only reaches the roots a few inches. Wet roots help promote consistent returns and quick growth to full coverage. Exposure to open and moving air allows plants to stand up proudly without becoming limp or matted. Steady growing conditions produce uniform growth at a reliable rate. Plants feel trustworthy as they return year after year. They grow in a variety of wet conditions from low marshes to thirsty lake edges.
Creative Ways to Use Cattail Plant in the Landscape
Whether you have a pond or any area that would benefit from added height and natural structure, it is a great choice. Gardeners commonly use these plants to accentuate ponds, lakeshores, wetlands and drainage basin areas. Provide framing and definition to water gardens and transition areas between land and water with these plant. It can be mass planted with other friendly plants for a unified and tranquil feel. Foliage can stand on its own or be mixed with assorted water plants for shape contrast. Keep in mind that these plants provide substantial height. Use them to soften shores and create a natural feel to gardens and restoration landscapes.
Reasons You Will Love Cattail Plant Year After Year
While it may take time for them to establish, there are many reasons you will love this plant in your landscape. For one, they will be back year after year providing you beautiful texture and fragrance. After your area becomes established, the thickness of the colony will only get larger and better defined. Another reason to love these plants is that it provides seasonal interest. Even though it doesn’t change drastically, they maintain a tidy appearance. If you are the type of person that enjoys watching your water garden come to life as years go by you will appreciate this plant. Thanks to its height and strong lines, it will bring balance, flow and calm to your outdoor oasis. As it becomes a welcome and familiar sight you will enjoy the beauty and texture it adds to your landscape.
Add height, mood and dependable beauty to your water-wise landscape with Cattail Plant.
