Common Cattail vs Nuttalls Sunflower - TreeTime.ca

Common Cattail vs Nuttalls Sunflower

Helianthus nuttallii

Typha latifolia

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

CUSTOM GROW

Nuttalls Sunflower
Common Cattail

Nuttall’s Sunflower is a native perennial wildflower known for its bright, golden-yellow blooms. Flowering from mid to late summer, it offers a late-season nectar source for various bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, while the seeds provide a fall food source for birds. The upright growth habit adds structural height and visual variety to your landscape.

Nuttall’s Sunflower can be found growing in moist to wet meadows, prairies, and open spaces. It can spread quickly via underground rhizomes, making it ideal for large-scale plantings. It is well-suited for naturalization, soil stabilization, riparian zones, and wetland restoration projects. If planting in smaller urban yards or gardens, extra care and maintenance will be required to limit its spread.

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.

Nuttalls Sunflower Quick Facts

Common Cattail Quick Facts

Zone: 2b
Zone: 1a
Height: 1.2 m (4 ft)
Height: 2.4 m (8 ft)
Spread: 0.5 m (1.5 ft)
Spread: 1.5 m (5 ft)
Light: full sun
Light: partial shade, full sun
Moisture: normal, wet
Moisture: wet
Growth rate: fast
Growth rate: fast
Life span: short
Life span: short
Growth form: upright, colony forming
Spreading: rhizomes - medium, seeds - low
Suckering: medium


Foliage: thick, flat
Flowers: golden yellow, daisy-like
Flowers: yellow and green
Bloom time: late summer to early fall
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no


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