Typha latifolia

(Broadleaf Cattail)

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Typha latifolia, Frisco Peninsula, Summit Co. 5048

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Typha latifolia, Frisco Peninsula, Summit Co. 5051

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Typha latifolia, Frisco Peninsula, Summit Co. 5062

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Typha latifolia, Frisco Peninsula, Summit Co. 5057

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Typha latifolia, Frisco Peninsula, Summit Co. 5070

Scientific Name Typha latifolia USDA PLANTS Symbol TYLA
Common Name Broadleaf Cattail, Cattail ITIS Taxonomic Serial No. 33394
Family Typhaceae (Cattail) SEINet
Reference
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Description Life zones and habitat: Plains to montane (3400 to 8600 ft.); shallow, slow-moving streams, lakes or marshy areas.
Plant: Erect, grass-like perennial growing up to 10 ft. tall from extensive creeping rhizomes.
Leaves: Long, narrow, blades 0.4 to 1.2 inches wide and with the uppermost blade about as tall as the inflorescence, more or less flat usually covered in whitish waxy coating when fresh.
Inflorescence: Dense cylindrical spike with the male part above usually touching or separated from the lower female part by about 0.2 inch; male part is 2.4 to 4.8 inches long, about 0.4 to 0.8 inches thick and has straw-colored scales; female part is 2 to 10 inches long, initially about 0.2 to 0.3 inches across, becoming 1 to 1.4 inches wide in fruit, pale green becoming brownish and later blackish- to reddish-brown.
Bloom Period: June to September.
References: "Flora of Colorado" by Jennifer Ackerfield and SEINet.
BONAP Distribution Map


Map Color Key
Colorado Status:
Native

© Tom Lebsack 2024

Banner photo: Castilleja rhexifolia and a brewing storm over the San Juan Mountains