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  • Typha latifolia (Photo: Dave Powell, USDA Forest Service, www.forestryimages.org)
  • Typha latifolia (Photo: � Barry A Rice/The Nature Conservancy
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Common name
cumbungi (English, Australia), totora (Spanish), giant reed-mace (English), great cattail (English), Cooper's reed (English), broad-leaf cattail (English), common cattail (English), cattail (English), broadleaf cattail (English), soft flag (English), tabua-larga (Portuguese), piriope (Spanish), tule espidilla (Spanish), roseau des étangs (French), espadaña común (Spanish)
Synonym
Similar species
Typha angustifolia
Summary
Typha latifolia (cattails) are among the most common of all aquatic plants. They are often a nuisance but also perform an important function in keeping a lake healthy by filtering the runoffs. Typha latifolia form dense monocultures when there is a wetland disturbance. They can reach up to 2 or 3 metres and grow prolifically from thick underground rhizomes, forming dense rhizome mats and litter which has an impact on species diversity by alteration of habitat. Dense Typha latifolia growth and litter may reduce the opportunity for other plants to establish or survive.
Species Description
Typha latifolia are very densely packed with tiny flowers, male flowers in top cluster and female flowers in bottom cluster (UoF, 2005). Stems can be more than one foot long. Leaves are straplike and stiff; rounded on back; flat and D shaped. Leaves are straight in the bottom half but twisted and spiral in the top (UoF, 1998). Leaves are thick and pale grayish-green in colour (NPWRC, 2005). It flowers during May and June. The fruit is tiny and tufted nutlet (NPWRC, 2005). Boreal Forest (2005) states that cattail can be distinguished by the following “male flowers are brown, minute, >1.3cm long, thickly clustered, anthers 1-3mm long. Female flowers are tiny, 2-3mm long when in flower, 10-15mm long when in fruit. Female fruiting spike are pale green when in flower, drying to brownish, later blackish brown or reddish brown in fruit. Seed are minute and numerous”.
Uses
Uses for Typha latifolia over time have been many; it has been: used for thatch in roofing, or woven into mats, chairs and hats; a source of fiber for rayon and a crude, greenish brown paper; torches and tinder; pollen used in making fireworks; stuffing pillows, insulation, crude floatation devices, wound dressing, and lining for diapers (Boreal Forest, 2005).
T. latifolia stands provide important food cover for wildlife and birds. They establish habitats for waterfowl and especially valuable in attracting nesting red-winged blackbird. Muskrats use the foliage to construct their lodges, which in turn provide resting and nesting sites for water birds (Rook, 2004).
Many parts of this plant are edible for human consumption. Rook (2004) states that the “native Americans used leaves and stems as food. Rhizomes were dried and ground into flour or eaten as cooked vegetables; young stems were eaten raw or cooked; and immature fruiting spikes were roasted”. In spring, the rootstocks and rhizomes were important food source for native people when other food was scarce (WSDoE, 2003). The young shoots were cooked as vegetables and the pollen are used in baking (WSDoE, 2003).
Habitat Description
Rook (2004) reports “all our wetland plant communities from deep marshes to open bogs, growing on wet substrates and often in 1-2 feet or more of standing water. It grows where soil remains wet, saturated or flooded most of the growing season, in shallow freshwater and occurs in slightly blackish marshes. It prefers soil with high amounts of organic matter and can also grow on fine texture mineral soils.
Reproduction
Typha latifolia rapidly colonizes exposed wet mineral soils, as it produces an extremely high number of wind water dispersed seeds (Rook, 2004). Reproduces by seed and vegetatively by rhizomes. Vegetative reproduction occurs through an extensive rhizomes system and is responsible for the maintenance and expansion of existing stands. Sexual reproduction is via seed dispersal and seedling establishment is responsible for invasion of new areas”.
Pathway
T. latifolia seed may be transported by wind, in water, in mud on the feet of birds and livestock, or by humans and machinery. Up to 95% of all seed produced is viable (DPIEW, 2005).

Principal source:

Compiler: IUCN/SSC Invasive Species Specialist Group (ISSG) with support from the Terrestrial and Freshwater Biodiversity Information System (TFBIS) Programme (Copyright statement)

Review: Expert review underway: Heather A. Hager, Ph.D. \ Ecologist USA
Takashi Asaeda \ Department of Environmental Science \ Saitama University Japan

Publication date: 2006-04-03

Recommended citation: Global Invasive Species Database (2024) Species profile: Typha latifolia. Downloaded from http://iucngisd.org/gisd/speciesname/Typha+latifolia on 02-11-2024.

General Impacts
Motivans and Apfelbaum (1987) listing out the impacts of the genus Typha state that they form dense monocultures when there is a wetland disturbance. They have the ability to spread rapidly by vegetative reproduction forming forming dense rhizome mats and litter. This has an impact on species diversity by alteration of habitat. Dense Typha growth and litter may reduce the opportunity for other plants to establish or survive (Wesson and Waring 1969 in m). They rapidly close any open water giving few oppurtunities for other plants to establish.
Management Info
Physical: Control techniques of fire and physical removal (cutting) in conjunction with flooding are most appropriate. Motivans and Apfelbaum (1987) suggest that draining techniques used in wetlands can inhibit growth. If the wetland can be drained and then burned during summer, typha will not be able to survive with no water over winter. There have however been no controlled experiments carried out to demonstrate this method. Deep flooding can also cause declines in infestations.
An effective control of Typha can be achieved by a combination of hand or mechanical cutting of stems followed by submergence of the remaining stems. Best results have been achieved by two clippings followed by submergence to at least 7.5cm or 3inches. typha are not shade tolerant, shading using black polyethylene tarps has been tried for killing growth. Degradation of the polyethylene tarps and problems of holding them down are some problems.
Manual removal works best for small seedlings. They are easy to pull out in damp soil, care must be taken to see that all rhizome bits are removed otherwise the plants can reestablish itself (DPIWE, 2005).

Mechanical: Mechanical removal of rhizomes is difficult because of their depth and volumn, however it can be used to reduce size of infestations and by following up with manual removal. The advantages of mechanical and manual removal are that no herbicide is used in water. Care should also be taken to ensure that the excavated material is taken away from the site and killed (DPIWE, 2005).
Exposure of rhizomes to frost by cultivation of the site is a good method when water levels are low (DPIWE, 2005).

Chemical: Treating typha when flowering using herbicides has been found to cause the greatest stress. The disadvantage however of using herbicides is the large volumn of decaying matter that remains which can cause water to go foul and unusable (DPIEW, 2005). Wick and spray applications of Roundup followed by with follow-up treatements has been found to be effective.
Treatment with herbicides like Dalpan followed up by respraying growing tips and making sure that the stems are submerged has been found to be successful. For more details of chemical control please see Motivans and Apfelbaum, 1987.
For more option is herbicide treatment please see Chemical control (DPIWE, 2005).

Countries (or multi-country features) with distribution records for Typha latifolia
NATIVE RANGE
  • afghanistan
  • albania
  • algeria
  • argentina
  • armenia
  • austria
  • azerbaijan
  • belarus
  • belgium
  • brazil
  • bulgaria
  • canada
  • china
  • czech republic
  • denmark
  • estonia
  • ethiopia
  • ex-yugoslavia
  • finland
  • france
  • georgia
  • germany
  • greece
  • guatemala
  • hungary
  • iran, islamic republic of
  • ireland
  • israel
  • italy
  • japan
  • jordan
  • kazakhstan
  • kenya
  • kyrgyzstan
  • latvia
  • lebanon
  • lithuania
  • mexico
  • moldova, republic of
  • mongolia
  • morocco
  • netherlands
  • nigeria
  • norway
  • pakistan
  • paraguay
  • poland
  • portugal
  • romania
  • russian federation
  • spain
  • sweden
  • switzerland
  • syrian arab republic
  • tanzania, united republic of
  • turkey
  • turkmenistan
  • uganda
  • ukraine
  • united kingdom
  • united states
  • uzbekistan
Informations on Typha latifolia has been recorded for the following locations. Click on the name for additional informations.
Lorem Ipsum
Location Status Invasiveness Occurrence Source
Details of Typha latifolia in information
Status
Invasiveness
Arrival date
Occurrence
Source
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Species notes for this location
Location note
Management notes for this location
Impact
Mechanism:
Outcome:
Ecosystem services:
Impact information
Motivans and Apfelbaum (1987) listing out the impacts of the genus Typha state that they form dense monocultures when there is a wetland disturbance. They have the ability to spread rapidly by vegetative reproduction forming forming dense rhizome mats and litter. This has an impact on species diversity by alteration of habitat. Dense Typha growth and litter may reduce the opportunity for other plants to establish or survive (Wesson and Waring 1969 in m). They rapidly close any open water giving few oppurtunities for other plants to establish.
Red List assessed species 0:
Management information
Physical: Control techniques of fire and physical removal (cutting) in conjunction with flooding are most appropriate. Motivans and Apfelbaum (1987) suggest that draining techniques used in wetlands can inhibit growth. If the wetland can be drained and then burned during summer, typha will not be able to survive with no water over winter. There have however been no controlled experiments carried out to demonstrate this method. Deep flooding can also cause declines in infestations.
An effective control of Typha can be achieved by a combination of hand or mechanical cutting of stems followed by submergence of the remaining stems. Best results have been achieved by two clippings followed by submergence to at least 7.5cm or 3inches. typha are not shade tolerant, shading using black polyethylene tarps has been tried for killing growth. Degradation of the polyethylene tarps and problems of holding them down are some problems.
Manual removal works best for small seedlings. They are easy to pull out in damp soil, care must be taken to see that all rhizome bits are removed otherwise the plants can reestablish itself (DPIWE, 2005).

Mechanical: Mechanical removal of rhizomes is difficult because of their depth and volumn, however it can be used to reduce size of infestations and by following up with manual removal. The advantages of mechanical and manual removal are that no herbicide is used in water. Care should also be taken to ensure that the excavated material is taken away from the site and killed (DPIWE, 2005).
Exposure of rhizomes to frost by cultivation of the site is a good method when water levels are low (DPIWE, 2005).

Chemical: Treating typha when flowering using herbicides has been found to cause the greatest stress. The disadvantage however of using herbicides is the large volumn of decaying matter that remains which can cause water to go foul and unusable (DPIEW, 2005). Wick and spray applications of Roundup followed by with follow-up treatements has been found to be effective.
Treatment with herbicides like Dalpan followed up by respraying growing tips and making sure that the stems are submerged has been found to be successful. For more details of chemical control please see Motivans and Apfelbaum, 1987.
For more option is herbicide treatment please see Chemical control (DPIWE, 2005).

Locations
Management Category
Prevention
Control
Bibliography
14 references found for Typha latifolia

Management information
Apfelbaum, S. I., Undated, Cattail (Typha spp.) Management, Applied Ecological Services, Brodhead, Wisconsin
Summary: This paper summarizes important aspects of the ecology of cattails pertinent to their control. The cattail family, represented worldwide by the genus Typha, is a perennial aquatic herb with cosmopolitan distribution in freshwater habitats.
Available from: http://appliedeco.com/Projects/CattailManage.pdf [September 10 2005)
Champion, P. Clayton, J. and Rowe, D. 2002. Alien Invaders Lake Managers� Handbook. Ministry for the Environment.
Summary: Available from: http://www.mfe.govt.nz/publications/water/lm-alien-invaders-jun02.pdf [Accessed 3 February 2005]
Champion, P.D.; Clayton, J.S. 2000. Border control for potential aquatic weeds. Stage 1. Weed risk model. Science for Conservation 141. .
Summary: This report is the first stage in a three-stage development of a Border Control Programme for aquatic plants that have the potential to become ecological weeds in New Zealand.
Available from: http://www.doc.govt.nz/upload/documents/science-and-technical/sfc141.pdf [Accessed 13 June 2007]
Champion, P.D.; Clayton, J.S. 2001. Border control for potential aquatic weeds. Stage 2. Weed risk assessment. Science for Conservation 185. 30 p.
Summary: This report is the second stage in the development of a Border Control Programme for aquatic plants that have the potential to become ecological weeds in New Zealand. Importers and traders in aquatic plants were surveyed to identify the plant species known or likely to be present in New Zealand. The Aquatic Plant Weed Risk Assessment Model was used to help assess the level of risk posed by these species. The report presents evidence of the various entry pathways and considers the impact that new invasive aquatic weed species may have on vulnerable native aquatic species and communities.
Available from: http://www.doc.govt.nz/upload/documents/science-and-technical/SFC185.pdf [Accessed 13 June 2007]
Department of Primary Industries, Water and Environment Tasmania (DPIWE) 2005, Weeds, Pests and Diseases. Cumbungi/ Bull rush (Typha spp.).
Summary: Available from: http://www.dpiwe.tas.gov.au/inter.nsf/WebPages/RPIO-5243PY?open [Accessed September 10 2005]
National Pest Plant Accord, 2001. Biosecurity New Zealand.
Summary: The National Pest Plant Accord is a cooperative agreement between regional councils and government departments with biosecurity responsibilities. Under the accord, regional councils will undertake surveillance to prevent the commercial sale and/or distribution of an agreed list of pest plants.
Available from: http://www.biosecurity.govt.nz/pests-diseases/plants/accord.htm [Accessed 11 August 2005]
General information
CONABIO. 2008. Sistema de informaci�n sobre especies invasoras en M�xico. Especies invasoras - Plantas. Comisi�n Nacional para el Conocimiento y Uso de la Biodiversidad. Fecha de acceso.
Summary: English:
The species list sheet for the Mexican information system on invasive species currently provides information related to Scientific names, family, group and common names, as well as habitat, status of invasion in Mexico, pathways of introduction and links to other specialised websites. Some of the higher risk species already have a direct link to the alert page. It is important to notice that these lists are constantly being updated, please refer to the main page (http://www.conabio.gob.mx/invasoras/index.php/Portada), under the section Novedades for information on updates.
Invasive species - Plants is available from: http://www.conabio.gob.mx/invasoras/index.php/Especies_invasoras_-_Plantas [Accessed 30 July 2008]
Spanish:
La lista de especies del Sistema de informaci�n sobre especies invasoras de m�xico cuenta actualmente con informaci�n aceca de nombre cient�fico, familia, grupo y nombre com�n, as� como h�bitat, estado de la invasi�n en M�xico, rutas de introducci�n y ligas a otros sitios especializados. Algunas de las especies de mayor riesgo ya tienen una liga directa a la p�gina de alertas. Es importante resaltar que estas listas se encuentran en constante proceso de actualizaci�n, por favor consulte la portada (http://www.conabio.gob.mx/invasoras/index.php/Portada), en la secci�n novedades, para conocer los cambios.
Especies invasoras - Plantas is available from: http://www.conabio.gob.mx/invasoras/index.php/Especies_invasoras_-_Plantas [Accessed 30 July 2008]
ITIS (Integrated Taxonomic Information System), 2005. Online Database Typha latifolia
Summary: An online database that provides taxonomic information, common names, synonyms and geographical jurisdiction of a species. In addition links are provided to retrieve biological records and collection information from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) Data Portal and bioscience articles from BioOne journals. Available from: http://www.itis.gov/servlet/SingleRpt/SingleRpt?search_topic=TSN&search_value=42326 [Accessed March 2005]
Kuehn, M. Marcinko , J. E. Minor and B. N. White., 1999. An examination of hybridization between the cattail species Typha latifolia and Typha angustifolia using random amplified polymorphic DNA and chloroplast DNA markers Molecular Ecology Volume 8 Issue 12 Page 1981
Motivans, K. and. Apfelbaum, S., 1987. Element stewardship abstract for Typha spp. North American Cattails, Applied Ecological Services, Inc. Juda, WI
Summary: Cattail control is an important consideration for natural areas. Monitoring the spread of cattails by aerial surveys and sampling transects can help determine the extent of cattail monocultures. Research into new biological control methods and the recovery of communities after cattail management needs to be conducted. Control techniques of fire and physical removal (cutting) in conjunction with flooding are most appropriate.
Ralston, S. T., Linz, G. M. and Bleier, W. J. undated, Quantification of Cattail (Typha spp.) in the Prairie Pothole Region of North Dakota in Relation to Blackbird Damage to Sunflower. Place of publication unknown
Summary: The purpose of this study was to quantify cattail habitat in the Prairie Pothole Region (PPR) of North Dakota.
Available from: http://skralston.com/Scott/Research/Scott%20Ralston%20ISC-04.pdf [Accessed 10 September 2005].
Royal New Zealand Institute of Horticulture (RNZIH), 2005. Great Reedmace (Typha latifolia)
Summary: Available from: http://www.rnzih.org.nz/pages/nppa_043.pdf [Accessed 10 September 2005]
Selbo, S. M. and Snow, A. A., 2004, The potential for hybridization between Typha angustifolia and Typha latifolia in a constructed wetland, Aquatic Botany 78 (2004) 361�369
Summary: Previous authors have suggested that interspecific hybridization is common in cattails. This study found no putative hybrids based on surveys involving molecular and/or morphological traits. Thus, it did not detect any gene flow between the cattail species, despite opportunities for cross-pollination and F1 seedling establishment.
Contact
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Typha latifolia
cumbungi, totora, giant reed-mace, great cattail , Cooper's reed, broad-leaf cattail , common cattail , cattail , broadleaf cattail , soft flag, tabua-larga, piriope, tule espidilla , roseau des étangs , espadaña común
Date assessed
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Justification for EICAT assessment
Confidence rating
Mechanism(s) of maximum impact
Countries of most severe impact
Description of impacts
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Recommended citation
(2024). Typha latifolia. IUCN Environmental Impact Classification for Alien Taxa (EICAT).