How did cattails become a nuisance?
By Chelsie Vandaveer
December 5, 2002
killerPlants Tendrils: ~~1~~2~~3~~4~~5~~
Suggested Reading—>Click here.
Killer Savings Nursery Links—>Click here.
Killer Picks: The Amateur Naturalist, National Geographic Magazine—>Click here.
Cattails (Typha species) are probably the most widely known of all wetland species. The ten or fifteen species belong to their own family, the Typhaceae. Some species like the broad-leaved (Typha latifolia Linnaeus) are native to both the Old and New World. Other species like the Eurasian narrow-leaved (Typha angustifolia Linnaeus) have naturalized wherever they
have been introduced.
Cattails have become nuisance species; their ranges have expanded and they out-compete other wetland plants forming thick monocultures. According to Harold A. Kantrud, prior to World War I, few cattail stands were found in prairie wetlands. Many of those prairie potholes are now dominated by the narrow-leaved cattail. (History of Cattail on the Prairies: Wildlife Impacts, NPWRC) Where the cattails dominate a wetland, open water or gaps cease to exist and wildlife declines.
Numerous theories exist as to why plants that caused no problems years ago have become a nuisance now. Nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus from fertilizers contribute to their luxuriant growth and lack of wildfires allows the build-up of detritus which smothers other plants' seeds.
Cattails change the environment of a marsh. Sun-loving species are shaded-out by the height of the cattails. But cattails also produce phenolic compounds which enter the rhizosphere (zone of soil where roots exist). J. B. Grace found that leaf extracts are allelopathic, the chemicals inhibit the germination of seeds even cattail seeds. ("Autotoxic inhibition of seed germination by Typha latifolia", Oecologia, 1983) Cattails 'poison' the soil reserving all nutrients for themselves.
The Wisconsin State Herbarium has posted a photograph of Typha X glauca, a cross between the broad-leaved and narrow-leaved cattails taken by Robert W. Freckmann. To view the photograph, click on the link:
http://www.botany.wisc.edu/cgi-bin/detail.cgi?SpCode=TYPxGLA
killerPlants Tendrils: ~~1~~2~~3~~4~~5~~
Suggested Reading:
How are cattails used by wildlife? Renfield's Garden - December 4, 2002
How did cattails become a nuisance? Weird Plants - December 5, 2002
What plant was a survival kit? Plants that Changed History - December 3, 2002
What are swamp lanterns? Renfield's Garden - February 23, 2005
Stiff Marsh Bedstraw (Galium tinctorium) Plant of the Week - July 12, 2004
What surprises were found in sweet flag's DNA? Weird Plants - May 16, 2002
Killer Savings Links:
Breck's Bulbs -$25 off—>Click here.
Gurney's Seed and Nursery -$20 off—>Click here.
Henry Fields Seed and Nursery -$20 off—>Click here.
Spring Hill Nursery -$20 off—>Click here.
Gardens Alive! -$20 off—>Click here.
Michigan Bulb -$20 off—>Click here.
Unique Professionally Designed Gardens
Springhill Nursery®
Spring Hill Nursery has unique gardens professionally designed by experts to take the guesswork out of gardening. Whether you are looking for a three season garden, foundation garden, or a garden to attract hummingbirds and butterflies, Spring Hill Nursery has created a step-by-step design just for you.
Click here - $20 off your first order at Spring Hill Nursery!
|
|
|
|
The Amateur Naturalist
National Geographic®
National Geographic naturalist Nick Baker brings you the ultimate how-to guide for exploring nature. An education in natural science unto itself, it's filled with page after page of fascinating secrets, surprising facts, and inspiring commentary that encourage the whole family to see the many sides of nature they've never seen before.
From communicating with wildlife to reading the forest's hidden signs, the hands-on activities, beautiful photos, and detailed illustrations enthusiastically reveal everything you need to know to fully experience our beautiful world.
Click here.
Shop the National Geographic Store. All purchases support research and education.
|
National Geographic Magazine
National Geographic®
|
|
You are invited to roam the world in the pages of National Geographic magazine. Explore the diversity of our planet's lands and inhabitants in compelling stories covering topics such as animals, nature, science, technology, culture, history, travel, adventure, exploration, and geography. The monthly National Geographic magazine is your key benefit of membership.
Additional benefits include:
- As many as five wall map supplements throughout the year in issues of the magazine
- A personalized Membership Certificate
- Special discounts on selected products
- The opportunity to examine special Society products free in your home before deciding to purchase
- The privilege of traveling the world with the Society's educational travel tour programs
- The satisfaction of supporting important research, conservation, education, and exploration projects
|
|
Join the Society and bring the adventure of National Geographic into your home!
Click here.
Shop the National Geographic Store. All purchases support research and education.
|
| |
killerplants Recommended Smart Stores
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 BACK TO TOP
|
|
