Cat Tails

Typha domingensis and additional species

TIE-fah dom-in-JEN-sis

Typhaceae

Native to: Florida native

Florida abundance and distribution:  Wetlands, marshes, ditches, shores.

Recognition: Large, rhizomatous, grasslike perennials 3’-10’ tall.  Flower clusters resemble fuzzy hotdogs.  Seeds on parachutes.

Other: Despite native status, an overgrown invasive pest in the Everglades and in other aquatic systems as a result of phosphorus (and probably nitrogen) pollution.

Contributed by:  Sarah Lopinot