Typha latifolia

Botanical Description

Typha latifolia is a very vigorous, herbaceous perennial plant. Growing from a fast-spreading rhizomatous rootstock, it forms a colony of unbranched leafy stems 150 - 300cm tall. In suitable environments, the plant can form large almost monospecific stands[ 270 Title Flora of N. America Publication Author Website http://flora.huh.harvard.edu/fna/ Publisher Year 0 ISBN Description An on-line version of the flora with an excellent description of the plant including a brief mention of plant uses. ]. This species has a very wide range of traditional and modern uses. Most parts of it have been used for food, it has various medicinal applications and supplies material for many purposes such as for insulation, thatching and weaving. It is also an excellent protector of the soil in wet habitats and a very productive source of biomass. The plant is also planted to provide wildlife habitats and for wetland restoration It is grown as an ornamental, though it needs to be restrained at the roots in all but the largest areas[ 270 Title Flora of N. America Publication Author Website http://flora.huh.harvard.edu/fna/ Publisher Year 0 ISBN Description An on-line version of the flora with an excellent description of the plant including a brief mention of plant uses. ]. This species has a very large distribution, has been widely introduced and is tolerant of polluted waters. The plant is classified as 'Least Concern' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2013)[ 338 Title IUCN Red List of Threatened Species Publication Author Website http://www.iucnredlist.org/ Publisher Year 0 ISBN Description A list of plants under threat and facing possible extinction, usually with brief details of the threats and information on habitat. ]. Typha latifolia is a very invasive plant spreading freely at the roots when in a suitable site. This is fine when growing in its native habitat, but the plant can become a serious weeds in managed aquatic systems worldwide, where it can invade canals, ditches, reservoirs, cultivated fields, and farm ponds; it can be a nuisance in recreational lakes; and can reduce biodiversity and displace species more desirable for certain kinds of wildlife[ 270 Title Flora of N. America Publication Author Website http://flora.huh.harvard.edu/fna/ Publisher Year 0 ISBN Description An on-line version of the flora with an excellent description of the plant including a brief mention of plant uses. ]. It should be introduced to areas outside its native range only with the greatest care, and perhaps not at all[ K Title Plants for a Future Author Ken Fern Description Notes from observations, tasting etc at Plants For A Future and on field trips. ].