Family: cattails (Typhaceae)
Flowering time: July–August
Size: 1–3 m
Habitat: swamps, water ditches, banks of standing water, wet and damp ruderal areas
Broadleaf cattail (Typha latifolia) is a large herbaceous perennial. The hollow stem at the base is leafed with upright, strap-shaped bluish-green leaves, which are 1 to 2 cm wide. The flowering stalk is up to 3 m tall. At its top is a narrow male inflorescence, beneath which is a cigar-shaped female inflorescence. The latter is about 30 cm long, the male inflorescence is approximately the same length. Between the male and female inflorescences there is usually no gap. The ripe female inflorescence is dark brown. In each female flower there are more than 30 bracts (modified floral envelope) that do not reach the top of the ridges.
Broadleaf cattail grows in fertile, nitrogen-rich soils in sunny areas. It is adapted to grow on waterlogged soils where oxygen is scarce, but can also survive longer periods without water. Except for the extreme northwest, broadleaf cattail is widespread throughout Slovenia.
The underground rhizome contains starch, so it was used as food in times of shortage. The fibers obtained from the leaves were used for weaving coarse fabrics.
