Common Cattail vs Hardstem Bulrush - TreeTime.ca

Common Cattail vs Hardstem Bulrush

Typha latifolia

Schoenoplectus acutus

CUSTOM GROW

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

Common Cattail
Hardstem Bulrush

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.

Hardstem Bulrush is a tall, native perennial wetland plant that thrives in shallow water and saturated soils, often forming extensive stands in wetland and shoreline habitats. Well suited to riparian restoration, bank stabilization, shoreline protection, and naturalization projects, it spreads through underground rhizomes to form dense colonies.

Hardstem Bulrush’s tall growth provides valuable cover and nesting habitat for waterfowl, songbirds, and small mammals, while its late-summer seeds provide food for waterfowl and other birds.

Common Cattail Quick Facts

Hardstem Bulrush Quick Facts

Zone: 1a
Zone: 2a
Height: 2.4 m (8 ft)
Height: 1.8 m (6 ft)
Spread: 1.5 m (5 ft)
Spread: 0.9 m (3 ft)
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: full sun
Moisture: wet
Moisture: wet
Growth rate: fast
Growth rate: fast
Life span: short
Life span: short
Growth form: upright, colony forming
Spreading: rhizomes - high
Suckering: medium


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


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