Data provided by the participants of the Consortium of California Herbaria

View additional distribution information on the Jepson eflora

Narrowleaf Cattail (Typha angustifolia) is a native perennial herb that grows in northern, southern and central California. It is fast growing and long-lived. It grows in an upright form to a height of 4.9 feet, with active growth during the spring. Flowers are green and striking, and bloom in the late spring. Leaves are medium green and deciduous. It tends to grow in dry granitic slopes and ridges, at elevations from 0-6600 feet.
Note: Jepson eFlora lists this plant as "Native or Naturalized", as there is uncertainty about its status.

Plant type

Perennial herb

Size

5 ft Tall

Form

Upright

Growth rate

Fast

Dormancy

Winter Deciduous

Calscape icon
Color

Green

Flowering season

Spring

Special uses

Water features or wet habitats

Sun

Full Sun

Soil description

Adaptable, tolerant of sand, loam and clay.

Site type

Dry granitic slopes and ridges

Plant communities

Freshwater Marsh, Wetland-Riparian

Caterpillars
Butterflies

Butterflies and moths supported

0 confirmed and 6 likely

Confirmed Likely

Bactra maiorina

Cattail Border Moth

Bellura obliqua

Oblique-Banded Leafroller Moth

Choristoneura rosaceana