Cattails

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Cattails (Typha spp.) are tall, erect plants that may grow to 6 to 8 feet tall. They usually grow along the shoreline but may grow in water 3 to 4 feet deep. The leaves are ribbonlike, flat, and about 1 inch wide. Flowers are in a dense, cylinder-shaped spike that often resembles a cigar. Flowers are on stalks that are usually taller than the leaves. They are spread by creeping root stalks and seeds. Many different species of cattail occur commonly in wet soil, marshes, swamps, and shallow waters throughout the United States (in fresh and brackish waters).

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You can have relatively good control with either of the treatments listed here. Read and follow label instructions before using any chemical in water.

Special care was taken to make certain that all herbicide treatments are registered with the Environmental Protection Agency for use in the manner described. Registrations of specific practices are often changed or deleted; therefore, treatments suggested in this information sheet may not remain current indefinitely. Read and observe the manufacturer's label to prevent misuse of a herbicide. It is not intended or proposed that usage of any given practice suggested in this information sheet be in violation with existing registration or manufacturer's label.

If you fail to carefully read and follow suggested treatments, you could cause extensive damage to the environment, crops, livestock or humans.