Cattail
Classification:
Family – Typhaceae, cattail family
Genus, species – Typha latifolia
Flowers:
Flowers are borne on dense brownish spikes. The upper part of the spike bears male flowers and the lower part of the spike bears female flowers. Male and female flowers are separate but on the same plant (monoecious). The plant relies on wind to transfer pollen from male flowers to female flowers.
Seeds:
Seeds are very small, attached to a fine hair, dispersed by wind.
Roots:
Cattails have extensive underground rhizomes.
More Information:
Typha is from the Latin for "bulrush-like." The species name latifolia is from the Latin for "wide-leaved."
Photos:
Upper part of spike is male, lower part is female
