Southern cattail

Southern cattail is an emergent perennial herb that can grow up to six metres tall.

Description

• Leaves are green/yellow-green, hairless, and alternately arranged in two rows up the stems.

• Flowers are erect brown cylindrical spikes, usually 2cm in diameter.

• Seeds are dispersed by wind, water, and animals, and vegetatively via rhizomes.

• Habitats include wetlands, riparian margins, estuaries, and ditches.

What you need to know

Southern cattail can form dense infestations and displaces native species such as raupō.

Management approach

Southern cattail is declared an unwanted organism by the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) because it is capable of causing harm to the natural environment, physical resources or human health in Aotearoa/New Zealand.

These species pose a high risk to our environment, economy, recreation, and cultural values.

Rules

Any species declared a pest, including unwanted organisms, cannot be sold or be in a place where plants are being sold. Pest plants cannot be propagated, bred, or multiplied, communicated, released, or cause to be released, or otherwise spread.

Control

Do not attempt to undertake control of southern cattail yourself. Report any sightings to us.