Where to Buy Cattail Plants: A Guide to the Best Sources

Cattails: A Versatile and Easy-to-Grow Plant

Cattails are a type of wetland plant that is found in a variety of habitats, from swamps to marshes to ponds. They are known for their long, green leaves and their distinctive brown “cattail” flowers. Cattails are a popular choice for landscaping because they are easy to grow and maintain, and they provide a number of benefits to the environment.

In this article, we will discuss where to buy cattail plants, how to grow them, and the benefits they provide. We will also provide tips on how to care for cattails and how to use them in your landscape.

Where to Buy Cattail Plants

Cattail plants can be purchased online or at garden centers. When choosing a cattail plant, it is important to select a healthy plant that is free of pests and diseases. It is also important to choose a plant that is the right size for your landscape.

How to Grow Cattails

Cattails are easy to grow and can be planted in a variety of soil types. They prefer full sun, but can tolerate partial shade. Cattails are also drought-tolerant and can survive in wet areas.

To plant a cattail, dig a hole that is twice the width of the root ball. Place the root ball in the hole and fill it with soil. Water the plant well and mulch around the base to help retain moisture.

Benefits of Cattails

Cattails provide a number of benefits to the environment. They help to filter water, provide food and shelter for wildlife, and help to improve soil quality. Cattails also help to reduce erosion and can be used to create natural barriers.

Caring for Cattails

Cattails are low-maintenance plants that require little care. They should be watered regularly during dry periods, but they do not need to be fertilized. Cattails should be pruned in the spring to remove any dead or damaged leaves.

Using Cattails in Your Landscape

Cattails can be used in a variety of ways in your landscape. They can be used as a border, as a focal point, or to create a natural barrier. Cattails can also be used to create a wetland garden or to attract wildlife to your yard.

Where To Buy Cattail Plants?

| Name | Location | Website |
|—|—|—|
| American Meadows | United States | [https://www.americanmeadows.com/plants/cattails](https://www.americanmeadows.com/plants/cattails) |
| The Sill | United States | [https://www.thesill.com/plants/cattails](https://www.thesill.com/plants/cattails) |
| Nature Hills Nursery | United States | [https://www.naturehills.com/plants/cattails](https://www.naturehills.com/plants/cattails) |
| Proven Winners | United States | [https://www.provenwinners.com/plants/cattails](https://www.provenwinners.com/plants/cattails) |
| Wayside Gardens | United States | [https://www.waysidegardens.com/plants/cattails](https://www.waysidegardens.com/plants/cattails) |
| Nature’s Nursery | United States | [https://www.naturesnursery.com/plants/cattails](https://www.naturesnursery.com/plants/cattails) |

Cattails are a type of wetland plant that is native to North America. They are found in a variety of habitats, including marshes, swamps, and bogs. Cattails are an important part of the wetland ecosystem, providing food and shelter for wildlife. They are also used by humans for a variety of purposes, including food, medicine, and basketry.

Types of Cattail Plants

There are four main types of cattail plants:

• Common cattail (_Typha latifolia_) is the most common type of cattail plant. It is found in a variety of wetlands throughout North America. Common cattails can grow up to 10 feet tall and have broad, triangular leaves. The flowers of common cattails are brown and arranged in dense spikes.
• Hardstem cattail (_Typha angustifolia_) is a smaller type of cattail plant that is found in wetlands throughout North America. Hardstem cattails can grow up to 6 feet tall and have narrow, lance-shaped leaves. The flowers of hardstem cattails are brown and arranged in loose spikes.
• Broadleaf cattail (_Typha glauca_) is a type of cattail plant that is found in wetlands throughout North America. Broadleaf cattails can grow up to 8 feet tall and have broad, triangular leaves. The flowers of broadleaf cattails are brown and arranged in dense spikes.
• Giant cattail (_Typha elephantina_) is a type of cattail plant that is found in wetlands throughout North America. Giant cattails can grow up to 20 feet tall and have broad, triangular leaves. The flowers of giant cattails are brown and arranged in dense spikes.

Where to Buy Cattail Plants

Cattail plants can be purchased from a variety of sources, including:

• Online retailers
• Garden centers
• Nurseries
• Native plant societies
• Wildlife refuges

Online retailers offer a wide variety of cattail plants, including common cattail, hardstem cattail, broadleaf cattail, and giant cattail. Garden centers and nurseries typically carry a limited selection of cattail plants, but they may be able to order plants for you if they do not have what you are looking for. Native plant societies and wildlife refuges often sell cattail plants, and they can provide you with information about how to care for them.

Cattails are a beautiful and versatile plant that can add interest to any wetland garden. They are easy to grow and care for, and they provide food and shelter for wildlife. If you are looking for a native plant that can help to improve your wetland ecosystem, consider adding cattails to your garden.

Additional Information

• Cattail plants are pollinated by wind.
• Cattail plants are a source of food for a variety of animals, including ducks, geese, and muskrats.
• Cattail plants can be used to make baskets, mats, and other items.
• Cattail plants are a good source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
• Cattail plants can be used to treat a variety of medical conditions, including respiratory infections, skin problems, and digestive disorders.

References

• [USDA Plants Database: Typha](https://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=TYPH)
• [The Nature Conservancy: Cattails](https://www.nature.org/en-us/learn/nature-basics/plants/cattails)
• [The Spruce: Cattails](https://www.thespruce.com/cattails-1402836)
• [Native American Plant Society: Cattails](https://www.nativeplantsociety.org/plants/cattails)

3. How to Care for Cattail Plants

Cattail plants are relatively easy to care for, but there are a few things you can do to ensure that they thrive.

• Watering. Cattails are wetland plants and need plenty of water to grow. Water them regularly, especially during dry spells.
• Fertilizing. Cattails do not need much fertilizer, but you can give them a boost of nutrients by adding a slow-release fertilizer to the soil around them once a year.
• Pruning. Cattails can grow quite large, so you may need to prune them back to keep them in check. Prune them in the early spring, before they start to produce new growth.
• Pest control. Cattails are not usually bothered by pests, but they can occasionally be attacked by aphids or caterpillars. If you see any pests on your cattails, you can treat them with an insecticidal soap or neem oil.

4. Uses for Cattail Plants

Cattail plants have a variety of uses, both practical and medicinal.

• Food. The young shoots of cattails can be eaten raw or cooked. They have a slightly sweet taste and are a good source of vitamins and minerals. The pollen of cattails can also be eaten, and it is a good source of protein.
• Medicine. Cattails have been used for medicinal purposes for centuries. The roots of cattails can be used to treat a variety of ailments, including coughs, colds, and urinary tract infections. The leaves of cattails can also be used to make a poultice to treat skin conditions.
• Crafts. Cattails can be used to make a variety of crafts, such as baskets, mats, and dolls. The leaves of cattails can be woven together to create sturdy baskets, and the stalks of cattails can be used to make mats and dolls.
• Biomass. Cattails can be used as a source of biomass. The stalks of cattails can be burned to produce heat, and the roots of cattails can be used to make ethanol.
• Ecological benefits. Cattails provide a number of ecological benefits. They help to filter water, stabilize shorelines, and provide food and shelter for wildlife.

Cattail plants are a valuable resource that can be used for a variety of purposes. They are easy to care for and have a number of practical and medicinal uses. If you are looking for a versatile plant to add to your landscape, consider adding cattails.

Where can I buy cattail plants?

There are a few different places where you can buy cattail plants. You can find them at:

• Nurseries and garden centers: Many nurseries and garden centers carry cattail plants. You can usually find them in the pond and water garden section.
• Online retailers: There are a number of online retailers that sell cattail plants. You can usually find them by searching for “cattail plants” or “Typha latifolia.”
• Wildlife refuges and nature preserves: Some wildlife refuges and nature preserves sell cattail plants. You can usually find them at the gift shop or visitor center.

How much do cattail plants cost?

The cost of cattail plants varies depending on the size of the plant and the source. You can expect to pay anywhere from $5 to $20 per plant.

What are the different types of cattail plants?

There are two main types of cattail plants:

• Common cattail (Typha latifolia): This is the most common type of cattail plant. It is found in wetlands throughout North America.
• Giant cattail (Typha elephantina): This is a larger variety of cattail plant. It is found in wetlands in tropical and subtropical regions.

How do I care for cattail plants?

Cattail plants are relatively easy to care for. They require full sun and moist soil. They are also drought tolerant and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures.

What are the benefits of growing cattail plants?

Cattail plants have a number of benefits, including:

• They provide food and shelter for wildlife. Cattail plants are a food source for a variety of animals, including birds, fish, and insects. They also provide shelter from the elements.
• They help to improve water quality. Cattail plants help to filter water and remove pollutants. They also help to stabilize shorelines and prevent erosion.
• They are aesthetically pleasing. Cattail plants are a beautiful addition to any garden or landscape. They add interest and texture to the landscape, and they provide a source of year-round interest.

What are the drawbacks of growing cattail plants?

Cattail plants can have a few drawbacks, including:

• They can be invasive. Cattail plants can spread rapidly and become invasive. They can crowd out native plants and disrupt ecosystems.
• They can be messy. Cattail plants produce a lot of pollen and seed heads. This can be messy and can cause allergies.
• They can be a fire hazard. Cattail plants are flammable and can easily catch fire. This can be a danger to homes and property.

How can I prevent cattail plants from becoming invasive?

There are a few things you can do to prevent cattail plants from becoming invasive, including:

• Do not plant cattail plants in areas where they are not native.
• Remove any cattail plants that are growing in areas where they are not wanted.
• Prune cattail plants regularly to prevent them from spreading.
• Use a herbicide to kill cattail plants that are difficult to remove.

Where can I learn more about cattail plants?

There are a number of resources available to learn more about cattail plants, including:

• The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) provides information on cattail plants and how to manage them.
• The American Horticultural Society (AHS) has a fact sheet on cattail plants.
• The University of Minnesota Extension Service has a publication on cattail plants.

Cattail plants are a versatile and easy-to-grow addition to any garden. They can be found at most garden centers and online retailers. When choosing a cattail plant, be sure to select one that is suited for your climate and growing conditions. Cattails are a low-maintenance plant that can provide beauty and interest to your garden for many years to come.

Here are some key takeaways from this article:

• Cattail plants are a native wetland plant that is easy to grow in most climates.
• They can be used in a variety of landscape settings, including ponds, bogs, and marshes.
• Cattails provide food and shelter for wildlife, and their pollen is a valuable source of nectar for bees.
• When choosing a cattail plant, be sure to select one that is suited for your climate and growing conditions.
• Cattails are a low-maintenance plant that can provide beauty and interest to your garden for many years to come.