Common Cattail vs Idaho Fescue - TreeTime.ca

Common Cattail vs Idaho Fescue

Festuca idahoensis

Typha latifolia

CUSTOM GROW

CUSTOM GROW

Idaho Fescue
Common Cattail

Idaho Fescue is a native perennial bunchgrass recognized for its fine-textured, blue-green foliage. Its dense, tufted growth and deep root system make it drought-tolerant and effective at stabilizing soils, particularly on slopes and open grasslands. Its upright, arching form and dense clumps give it strong ornamental value in both natural and designed landscapes.
This hardy grass provides cover for wildlife and forage for grazing animals, while also supporting soil health and habitat diversity. Idaho Fescue is well-suited for erosion control, ecological restoration, naturalization, xeriscaping, and habitat enhancement projects.

Cattail is found all across North America, growing next to water. Like other waterside plants, Cattail provides erosion control and forage for animals.

It is suitable for land reclamation. Cattail is able to tolerate cold weather and occasional flooding.

Idaho Fescue Quick Facts

Common Cattail Quick Facts

Zone: 4a
Zone: 1a
Height: 0.3 m (1.0 ft)
Height: 2.4 m (8 ft)
Spread: 0.3 m (1.0 ft)
Spread: 1.5 m (5 ft)
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: partial shade, full sun
Moisture: dry, normal
Moisture: wet
Growth rate: fast
Growth rate: fast
Life span: short
Life span: short
Growth form: clump-forming
Spreading: seeds - low
Suckering: medium


Foliage: thick, flat
Flowers: yellow and green
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no


Native to: AB, BC, SK
Native to: AB, BC, SK, MB, ON, QC, NS, NB, NL, YT, NT, NU, PE
Other Names: blue bunchgrass, bluebunch fescue
Other Names: baco, bulrush, cat o nine tails, cossack asparagus, flag, reed mace, rush