Cattail Moisture Reqirements and their Significance to Marsh Management

Abstract

A hybrid cattail resulting from a natural cross of Typha latifolia and Typha angustifolla was studied under greenhouse and field conditions in an attempt to determine optimum soil moisture and water depth for germination, growth and vegetative reproduction. Seeds in greenhouse tests required flooding for germination, but no differences in percent germination were detected between water depths of 1 in. and 6 in. Germination was reduced 50% by storage of seed for 1 year at room temperature and humidity. No germination of artificially established seeds occurred in the field. The fastest rate and amount of growth was recorded for plants in 1 in. of water. Plants in saturated soil and 6 in. of water grew nearly as well as plants in 1 in. of water. Vegetative reproduction was similar in saturated soil and in soil flooded with depths of 1 in. of water and 6 in. of water. Management recommendations are discussed.