Just as commonly, cattails spread through their root system. The thick, white roots, called rhizomes, grow underground near the edge of ponds and in shallow swales. As long as the water is not too deep, the cattails feast off the open sunshine and abundant water, storing a large amount of food in the root system.

Are cattails hard to grow?

The good news is that you can contain cattails very easily by growing them in pots and cutting off the seed heads before they distribute themselves in the fall. Follow these tips for growing cattails in your water garden. Plant in partial to full sun. Cattails will thrive in a bright location.

What is the life cycle of a cattail?

Life cycle: Cattails reproduce in two fashions; sexually and vegetatively. At maturity, the cattail’s seed spike bursts under dry conditions, releasing the fruits. Each fruit has bristly hairs that aid in wind dispersal.