What Are Cattails and How To Control Them

Cattails are a common plant found in and around ponds. They’re common in marshes, ditches, lakes, and ponds throughout North America, often found in quiet water up to 4 feet deep.

Their tall, rigid stems topped with cylindrical brown seed heads make these plants easily identifiable. They often resemble the tail of a cat, hence the name “cattails.” They belong to the Typha genus and are characterized by their ability to thrive in waterlogged conditions. 

What Are Cattails Used For?

Cattails are often used as a natural filter for pond water, as they help to absorb excess nutrients and pollutants from the water. However, they’re also important for the ecosystem’s health around the pond. 

They’re beneficial in a number of ways, including:

  • Often used as shelter and nesting sights for birds
  • A crucial food source for various animals
  • A vital source of oxygen
  • Helps regulate water temperature
  • Stabilizes soil and prevents erosion

Are Cattails Good or Bad?

Like most things in nature, cattails have good and then also less desirable qualities. They’re a fundamental part of the ecosystem, with many uses, as we discussed above. 

However, cattails spread quickly and dominate the space without proper maintenance. When cattails overtake a space, it leads to complications, including:

To prevent cattails from taking over your pond, read our tips on controlling this species.

Will Fish Eat Cattails?

While cattails are a valuable food source for many animals, most fish won’t snack on cattails. An exception is grass carp, which enjoy aquatic vegetation like cattails. Waterfowl typically eat the seeds, while geese, muskrats, and beaver eat the roots and young shoots.

How Do You Control Cattail Growth?

Cattails can become invasive and overtake a pond if left unchecked, which can reduce the diversity of plant and animal life. To prevent this from happening, it’s important to manage the growth of cattails.

Here are a few methods commonly used for cattail control:

  1. Physical Removal: Cut or pull out cattails manually. Make sure to remove the entire root system. This method is effective for small infestations.
  2. Mowing or Cutting: Regularly mow or cut down cattails before they produce seeds. This helps prevent their spread and weakens the plants over time.
  3. Herbicides: Selective herbicides specifically designed for aquatic use can effectively control cattails. Follow the product instructions carefully and consult a professional for proper application.
  4. Biological Control: Introducing natural enemies of cattails, such as specific insects or grazing animals, can help reduce their population. Please note: this method requires expert knowledge and should be used cautiously.

How to Control Cattails via Healthy Ponds

Cattails can be controlled with Clearcast. Clearcast is the industry standard for effective cattail control at any time of the year. 

Clearcast…

  • Provides true systemic activity, killing the entire plant, including the root system
  • Allows for re-colonization of desirable species
  • Controls target floating, emergent, and shoreline weeds while leaving desirable plant species unaffected

What Does Your Pond Need?

Not sure what your pond exactly needs? Get an expert opinion to put your mind at ease and get your pond healthy. Reach out to our pond experts for a consultation!

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