Taxonomy
Family: Typhaceae
Habitat
Marshes, ditches. More tolerant of alkaline or halophytic conditions than T. latifolia
Associates
Distribution
Nearly cosmopolitan. Formerly more common along the coast but has become more widespread inland.
Morphology
Rhizomatous perennial to 1.5 m. Leaves flat, 5-11 mm wide, auriculate at the junction of the sheath and the blade. Pistillate and staminate portion of the spike separated by 2-12 cm, the pistillate portion deep brown, 10-20 cm long and 1-2 cm thick at maturity; stigmas linear; pistillate bracteoles distally rounded; pollen in monads.
Notes
Flowers early June to mid July
Wetland indicator: Obligate
This species tends to be more invasive than T. latifolia, although both will form monotypic stands under the right conditions. The spread of T. angustifolia inland may be currently facilitated by the use of road salt.
References
Gleason, Henry A. and A. Cronquist. 1991. Manual of Vascular Plants of Northeastern United States and Adjacent Canada. Second Ed.
The New York Botanical Garden. Bronx, NY
Swink, F. and G. Wilhelm. 1994. Plants of the Chicago Region.
Indiana Academy of Science. The Morton Arboretum. Lisle, Illinois.
Michael Hough © 2005 |