Typha laxmannii
Lepechin
Common Name:
Graceful cattail
Synonyms and Other Names:
Laxman’s bulrush, narrow-leafed European cattail, bullrush, Typha stenophylla
Identification:
The graceful cattail is a dwarf cattail species with narrow green leaves that grow up to 5 feet tall in a sword-like shape. Yellowish male flowers are located at the top of a flower stalk and greenish female flowers are located up to 2 inches underneath. After pollination the female flowers turn brown, forming sausage-shaped fruiting spikes similar to other cattail species as the seeds mature (Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, 2019). The seeds are about 1 mm and dispersed by wind with the aid of numerous hairs (Hamdi, S., M. Assadi, A. Iranbakhsh, 2010). A number of other cattail species may be confused with T. laxmanii. Broad-leaved cattail (Typha latifolia) is native to WI and other parts of the Great Lakes region, while narrow-leaved (T. angustifolia) and hybrids (T. glauca) are also considered invasive. Graceful cattail is smaller than the other species of cattail, and its fruiting spike is smaller than these other species (typically around 4 inches) (Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, 2019).
Size:
3-6 feet
Native Range:
T. laxmannii occurs from Europe through Siberia, the Middle East, the Caucasus, Himalayas in Pakistan, Kazakhstan and Mongolia to the Russian Far East, China and Japan. In Europe, it seems to be native to the eastern Balkans and east into European Russia, the Ukraine and the Crimean Peninsula, but has been introduced to many other countries in Central Europe (DAISE, 2011).
This species is not currently in the Great Lakes region but may be elsewhere in the US. See the
point map
for details.
Table 1. States/provinces with nonindigenous occurrences, the earliest and latest observations in each state/province, and the tally and names of HUCs with observations†. Names and dates are hyperlinked to their relevant specimen records. The list of references for all nonindigenous occurrences of Typha laxmannii are found here.
Table last updated 4/25/2024
† Populations may not be currently present.
Ecology:
T. laxmannii typically occurs in shallow water in the margins of pools and ponds, particularly in water bodies remaining from abandoned sand or gravel extraction. It has also been reported from artificial ponds, inland inundations, rice fields, and channels (DAISE, 2011). Seeds are very small and dispersed by wind, where they are carried aloft by their many fluffy hairs. This species can also spread vegetatively using underground rhizomes and forms dense monoculture stands, much like other cattail species (Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, 2019). This species is tolerant of degraded habitat conditions, and has been reported to grow well in anthropogenically disturbed sites, including those of mining and coal production (Baryla et al, 2005).
Means of Introduction:
Typha laxmannii has a high probability of introduction to the Great Lakes (Confidence level: high).
Potential pathway(s) of introduction: unauthorized intentional release, planting/stocking. This species is available from several online aquatic plant retailers, including Amazon. Although it does not appear to be sold anywhere in the Great Lakes region and is regulated in Illinois and Wisconsin, it is nonetheless easily obtained for water gardens (Dave’s Garden, 2011).
Status:
Not established in the Great Lakes.
Great Lakes Impacts:
Summary of species impacts derived from literature review. Click on an icon to find out more...
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Typha laxmannii has a moderate probability of establishment if introduced to the Great Lakes (Confidence level: high). This species occurs across Eurasia in areas with similar climate, temperature, soil conditions, and habitat as those found in the Great Lakes region, according to the Koppen-Geiger climate classification system. In reports on graceful cattail’s spread throughout Europe, researchers have noted that it rapidly becomes established, even in degraded ecosystems such as former coal mining sites (Baryla et al, 2005).
Typha laxmannii has the potential for moderate environmental impact if introduced to the Great Lakes (Confidence level: moderate).
This species is documented to outcompete native plant communities in Eurasia (Baryla et al, 2005). It can also hybridize with T. latifolia to produce a hybrid known as Typha x smirnovii (Mavrodiev, 2000). Limited information is available for this species specifically, but like other invasive cattails, it may also alter hydrology due to its dense monoculture stands.
There is little or no evidence to support that Typha laxmannii has the potential for significant socio-economic impacts if introduced to the Great Lakes.
This species is not reported to damage any market or economic sectors, inhibit recreational activity, pose any human health risk, or diminish perceived aesthetic value of natural areas in any significant way.
Typha laxmannii has the potential for moderate beneficial impacts if introduced to the Great Lakes.
Like other cattail species, T. laxmanii has many uses, including papermaking, weaving, and thatch. This species is recognized as a good source of biomass for compost and fuel, the pollen is flammable and can be used to make fireworks, and the stems can be burned as rushlights. The shoots, young leaves, pollen, and rhizomes are all edible (Plants for a Future Database, 2010).
Management:
Regulations (pertaining to the Great Lakes region)
This species is prohibited in Wisconsin (WDNR).
Note: Check federal, state/provincial, and local regulations for the most up-to-date information Control
Biological
There are no known biological control methods for this species.
Physical
Cut all stems, both green and dead in mid to late summer or early fall. Where possible maintain a water level of a minimum of 3” above the cut stems for the entire growing season (WDNR).
Chemical
Foliar spray with aquatic approved imazapyr. Herbicide applications near water may require a permit (WDNR).
References
(click for full reference list)
Author:
E. Lower
Contributing Agencies:
Revision Date:
7/11/2019
Citation for this information:
E. Lower, 2024, Typha laxmannii Lepechin: U.S. Geological Survey, Nonindigenous Aquatic Species Database, Gainesville, FL, and NOAA Great Lakes Aquatic Nonindigenous Species Information System, Ann Arbor, MI, https://nas.er.usgs.gov/queries/greatlakes/FactSheet.aspx?Species_ID=3248&Potential=Y&Type=2&HUCNumber=DGreatLakes, Revision Date: 7/11/2019, Access Date: 4/25/2024
This information is preliminary or provisional and is subject to revision. It is being provided to meet the need for timely best science. The information has not received final approval by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and is provided on the condition that neither the USGS nor the U.S. Government shall be held liable for any damages resulting from the authorized or unauthorized use of the information.