Overview
Typha angustifolia is a tufted aquatic in the genus Typha, part of the Typhaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 1-1.5 metres tall and 2.5-4 metres wide, reaching full size in around 5-10 years. Typha angustifolia grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. It is low maintenance. Suggested uses include wildlife gardens and cut flowers.
About
Typha angustifolia is a perennial herbaceous plant in the genus Typha, native throughout most of Eurasia and locally in northwest Africa; it also occurs widely in North America, where its native status is disputed. It is an "obligate wetland" species that is found in fresh water or brackish locations. It is known in British English as lesser bulrush, and in North American English as narrowleaf cattail. Mature plants reach roughly 1-1.5 metres tall and 2.5-4 metres wide, carrying deciduous foliage. In the garden it prefers full sun and most soil types. It tolerates soil of any pH, poorly-drained conditions and south-facing, west-facing, north-facing and east-facing aspects.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Typha angustifolia
About the genus
Typha is a genus of about 30 species of monocotyledonous flowering plants in the family Typhaceae. These plants have a variety of common names, in British English bulrush or reedmace, in American English cattail or punks, in Australia cumbungi or bulrush, in Canada bulrush or cattail, and in New Zealand raupō, bullrush, cattail, or reed.
Wikipedia contributors, "Typha", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Typha
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Typha
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Poorly-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing, North-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
Typha angustifolia size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Aquatic, Grass Like, Bogs
- Habit
- Tufted
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 1-1.5 metres
- Spread
- 2.5-4 metres
- Time to full height
- 5-10 years
- Suggested uses
- Wildlife gardens, Cut flowers
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Typha angustifolia
- Propagation
- Division in spring
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Typha angustifolia?
Typha angustifolia prefers full sun. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Typha angustifolia need?
Typha angustifolia is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays poorly-drained.
How big does Typha angustifolia grow?
Typha angustifolia reaches a height of 1-1.5 metres and a spread of 2.5-4 metres. It takes around 5-10 years to reach full size.
Is Typha angustifolia hardy in the UK?
Typha angustifolia has an RHS hardiness rating of H6, meaning it is very hardy, tolerating -20 to -15°C across most of the UK.
How do I propagate Typha angustifolia?
Division in spring.
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