Typha angustifolia

Typha angustifolia L. (also lesser bulrush, narrowleaf cattail or lesser reedmace) is a perennial herbaceous plant of genus Typha. This cattail is an "obligate wetland" species that is commonly found in the northern hemisphere in fresh water or brackish locations.

Description
The plant's leaves are flat, very narrow (¼"–½" wide), and 3'–6' tall when mature; 12–16 leaves arise from each vegetative shoot. At maturity, they have distinctive stalks that are about as tall as the leaves; the stalks are topped with brown, fluffy, sausage-shaped flowering heads. The plants have sturdy, rhizomatous roots that can extend 27" and are typically ¾"–1½" in diameter.

Distribution


It has been proposed that the species was introduced from Europe to North America. In North America, it is also thought to have been introduced from coastal to inland locations. It is widely distributed in temperate and subtropical regions, growing in marshes, wetlands, and along the edges of ponds and lakes.

The geographic range of Typha angustifolia overlaps with the very similar species Typha latifolia (broadleaf or common cattail). T. angustifolia can be distinguished from T. latifolia by its narrower leaves and by a clear separation of two different regions (staminate flowers above and pistilate flowers below) on the flowering heads. The species hybridize as Typha x glauca (Typha angustifolia x T. latifolia) (white cattail); Typha x glauca is not a distinct species, but is rather a sterile F1 hybrid. Broadleaf cattail is usually found in shallower water than narrowleaf cattail.

Current status of invasiveness

 * Other countries: Typha angustifolia is considered invasive in many countries outside its native range. It can outcompete native vegetation, leading to changes in wetland ecosystems and impacting biodiversity.
 * Southeast Asia (SEA): In Southeast Asia, Typha angustifolia is also known to exhibit invasive behavior in certain regions, especially where wetland habitats are present.
 * Thailand: In Thailand, Typha angustifolia is recognized as an invasive species in some areas, particularly in wetlands and waterways where it can form dense stands and alter local ecosystems.

Culinary use
Several parts of the plant are edible, including during various seasons the dormant sprouts on roots and bases of leaves, the inner core of the stalk, green bloom spikes, ripe pollen, and starchy roots. It can be prepared in the same way as Typha latifolia. The edible stem is called bồn bồn in Vietnam.photo