Learning to Grow: Are cattails good or bad?

If you have a shallow shoreline on your property you have probably experienced this dilemma: Should your cattails stay or go?

Although quite lovely at the beginning, they can quickly take over the shoreline preventing access to the water.

Botanically named Typha, the cattail family members found in Illinois include common cattail (latifolis) considered to be native to the area, narrow-leaved cattail (angustifolia) and hybrid cattail (glauca). Both of the latter are considered to be invasive species.

Cattails thrive in one to two feet of water and need sunlight to survive. The narrow-leaved species grows in deeper water, making it more invasive farther out from the shore.

There are some positive aspects to cattails. They have a unique appearance and are found growing in all parts of the world. For this reason, they are often found in works of art in all cultures. The female plant gives you the cute, fuzzy brown "tail" for which they are named.

Cattails also take up nutrients, such as nitrogen and phosphorus, thus cleaning the run-off water from fertilized lawns. They help to prevent bank erosion and provide a habitat for birds.

There are also negative aspects to cattails. They tend to dominate the shoreline and prevent other plants from thriving. The plants may prevent water access by the property owner. Cattails are very aggressive naturalizers, meaning they spread very quickly from season to season, if not controlled, as if they are native to the area.

So, what if you decide you want to control or eradicate the cattails? There are two ways to control cattails. You may cut them off below water level to drown the plant. This will work only if there is a stable water level. The other option is to have a licensed professional apply an aquatic herbicide.

Keep in mind that you will gain access to your shore but lose the positive elements of bank stabilization and water filtration. You may consider controlling cattails in only a portion of the shoreline or replacing them with native plant species. Talk with your local nursery about options for your particular setting. Remember, the birds love to have somewhere to land and nest near water.

• Darlie Simerson is a University of Illinois Extension master gardener for Kane County. The "Learning to Grow" column runs weekly during warmer months. Call the extension office at 630-584-6166 for more information.