The bulrush (Typha) grows like the common reed (Phragmites australis) in nature on the shores of many lakes and in swampy areas. Sometimes there is confusion when distinguishing between the two plant species and the corresponding terminology.

Cattails and reeds both belong to the grass family

Explanation of terms: reed, cattail and reed

In general usage, "reed" is not only understood to mean the characteristic shore zones of many lakes, which, with their dense, stalk-like vegetation, serve as breeding grounds for rare bird species. The generic term is also usually used to describe all plants that proliferate in the swampy subsoil (usually with a rather acidic environment) and are cut in dried form in autumn as a decorative element or as material for privacy mats and roof coverings. While cattails and reeds differ in appearance, both genera belong to the sweet grass family (Poaceae).

Properties of cattails and reeds

Cattails and reeds are also popular for planting in garden ponds because they have similar properties:

  • Creation of natural habitats for insects and reptiles
  • removal of nutrients from the water
  • perennial, hardy plants with little maintenance
  • natural privacy screen at the bathing pond

Since sweet grasses such as reeds and cattails (popularly also known as lamp cleaners) are heavy consumers of nutrients, they easily contain heavy algae growth as a result of water eutrophication without chemical agents. In autumn or early spring, the dried stalks of the previous season can be cut off near the ground and used as a privacy screen or as a cover for frost-sensitive plants.

Selection for the garden pond: reeds or cattails?

Visually, it is a matter of taste whether you prefer to plant cattails or reeds in your garden pond. However, in the past many owners of liner ponds in the garden reported damage to the pond liner caused by the roots of the reeds. Since the rhizomes of cattails are less pointed than those of reeds, they are less likely to damage the pond liner. However, if you have a large population of voles in your garden, the pond liner can also be damaged by cattails: After all, the starchy, thick rhizomes of the lamp cleaner are an all too tempting snack, for which the voles occasionally make holes gnaw into the pond liner.

tips

Cattails and reeds are about equally strong in the cut-throat competition. However, you can protect other plants in the riparian zone from being pushed out if you only plant cattails and reeds in plant baskets or specially demarcated areas.

Category:

Vegetable garden