Cattails (genus Typha) are tall, emergent plants common in marshes, ditches, and the shallow margins of ponds and lakes globally. They are easily recognizable by their long, flat leaves and distinctive, brown, cylindrical flower spikes. Whether these plants are protected is complex, depending entirely on their location and jurisdiction (federal, state, or local). Protection is rarely for the plant species itself, but rather a direct result of the highly regulated habitat they indicate.
The Ecological Importance of Cattails
Cattails establish an ecological foundation for aquatic systems, which is the primary reason they are regulated. Their dense, fibrous root systems, known as rhizomes, weave together soil and sediment along shorelines. This provides a natural defense against erosion by minimizing the impact of waves and water flow, preventing land loss and reducing suspended sediment.
Cattails function as natural water purifiers, actively removing pollutants through a process called bioremediation. They absorb excess nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus, which helps prevent algal blooms that deplete oxygen and harm aquatic life. These plants also sequester heavy metals, such as mercury and arsenic, and pharmaceuticals that enter waterways through runoff.
The dense stands of Typha species create a sheltered environment supporting a wide array of wildlife. Birds rely on the tall, rigid stems for nesting sites and protective cover, while amphibians use the dense vegetation as a refuge. The energy-rich rhizomes and shoots serve as a food source for herbivores like muskrats and geese, integrating the plant directly into the wetland food web.
Cattails as Indicators of Protected Wetlands
Cattails are often protected because they are a primary indicator that a specific area qualifies as a regulated wetland under environmental law. The presence of large, established stands of Typha is a key sign of “hydrophytic vegetation,” meaning plant life adapted to saturated soil conditions. Federal agencies, including the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps), use this criterion to formally identify and delineate wetlands under the Clean Water Act (CWA).
The Corps’ 1987 Wetlands Delineation Manual and its regional supplements require three parameters to confirm a regulated wetland: wetland hydrology, hydric soils, and hydrophytic vegetation. Since Typha species are classified as Obligate Wetland (OBL) plants, their dominance provides strong evidence for the vegetation parameter. Disturbing the land where cattails grow, especially through dredging or filling, triggers the federal CWA Section 404 permit process, which is designed to protect “Waters of the U.S.”.
State and local governments often impose additional, sometimes stricter, regulations on wetlands and the plants that define them. These laws usually reinforce the federal framework, classifying the land based on the vegetation, effectively protecting the cattails indirectly. The core concept is that damaging the plant is seen as damaging the wetland itself, which is a protected aquatic resource. Consequently, any proposed development or alteration in an area dominated by cattails must first be confirmed not to be a regulated wetland, or receive a permit for the resulting impact.
Permits, Removal, and Species Differences
Before any individual or organization attempts to remove or manage cattails, they must first consult with local or state environmental regulatory bodies, such as the Department of Environmental Quality. A permit is almost always required for the removal of emergent aquatic plants growing below the ordinary high-water mark of public waters. These regulations exist because removing native vegetation can destabilize shorelines and eliminate habitat.
The necessity of a permit is complicated by the difference between native and invasive species. The native broad-leaved cattail (Typha latifolia) is desirable and coexists with other plants. However, the narrow-leaf cattail (Typha angustifolia) and its aggressive hybrid (Typha x glauca) are often considered invasive. The hybrid forms dense, expansive monocultures that choke out native plant species, reducing overall biodiversity and habitat quality.
When invasive or hybrid cattails have taken over a wetland, management or removal may be encouraged by resource agencies to restore ecological balance. Even when targeting invasive species, a permit is required to ensure the removal method, such as mechanical cutting or herbicide application, is carried out safely. Small-scale harvesting for personal use, such as crafts or food, may be permissible but must be done away from regulated areas and without disturbing the root structure.