Water Plants

Typha minima

Miniature cattail

Typha minima

Fine upright leaves and small brown flower heads bring the cattail look to a smaller pond or patio water garden. This is still a rhizome-spreading plant, so a basket helps keep its clump in bounds.

At a glance

Sun: Full sun
Pond placement: Pond margin or aquatic container.
Water depth: Up to 4 in. of water over the soil.
Winter care: Cold-hardy perennial; foliage dies back. Protect small containers from freezing solid.
Mature size: Height: About 20–39 in. · Spread: 4–20 in.; spreads by rhizomes
Water: Boggy soil or shallow water
Bloom: Small brown heads; mid–late summer.

Measure water above the planting soil, not total pond depth.

Sizes & prices

6"Call for price

Catalog updated September 8, 2026. This is not a live stock count; please call to confirm availability and price.

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Resistance & tolerances

Wet soil: Thrives in boggy soil; do not let roots dry out.

Water garden care

Planting method: Aquatic basket for pond-edge planting; keep spreading roots contained.
Division: Divide in spring.
Pruning: Remove dead leaves and flower stems before new growth.

Sources & photo credits

Royal Horticultural Society

Photo: Marie-Lan Nguyen / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY 2.5

Reviewed September 27, 2026. Growing conditions vary by location.