Common Bulrush (Typha latifolia)

Common Bulrush | Typha latifolia

A powerful native reed for large ponds, lakes, and wetland planting schemes

Common Bulrush (Typha latifolia), also known as Reedmace or Broadleaf Cattail, is one of the most recognisable and ecologically valuable aquatic plants found in the UK. With its tall upright form, bold foliage, and iconic brown flower spikes, it is a standout choice for large scale pond projects, lakes, and natural wetlands where both structure and wildlife value are essential.

This impressive reed produces long, strap like green leaves that can reach heights of up to 2.5 metres, creating strong vertical interest and dense planting coverage. From June through to late summer, it develops distinctive dark brown cylindrical flower spikes, which are not only visually striking but also provide important habitat and nesting material for birds and wetland wildlife.

Common Bulrush is particularly valued for its role in supporting biodiversity. Its dense growth offers shelter for wildfowl, amphibians, and aquatic insects, while its stems are often used by birds for nesting. It also plays a key role in natural water filtration, helping to absorb excess nutrients and improve overall water quality in larger bodies of water.

However, it is important to understand that Typha latifolia is an extremely vigorous and fast spreading plant. It spreads via strong creeping rhizomes, which can quickly colonise large areas. For this reason, it is only suitable for large ponds, lakes, and managed wetland environments. It is not recommended for small garden ponds, as it can damage liners and outcompete smaller, more delicate plants.

When used correctly, Common Bulrush is an outstanding choice for naturalistic planting schemes, reed beds, and ecological restoration projects. It is particularly effective for stabilising pond edges and preventing erosion, making it a practical as well as visually impressive addition to large scale aquatic landscapes.

Fully hardy and incredibly resilient, this UK native plant thrives in full sun or partial shade and performs best in consistently wet or shallow water conditions.

🇬🇧 UK-grown aquatic plant: Grown at a dedicated aquatic plant nursery in the South of England and carefully prepared for delivery across the UK.

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Key Benefits

• UK native reed ideal for large ponds and wetlands
• Provides excellent shelter and nesting habitat for wildlife
• Helps improve water quality through natural filtration
• Strong vertical structure for naturalistic planting
• Effective for stabilising pond and lake edges
• Extremely hardy and low maintenance

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Reasons to Buy

• Perfect for large landscaping and ecological projects
• Supports wildfowl, amphibians, and aquatic insects
• Fast growing and highly effective for coverage
• Ideal for reed beds and natural pond environments
• Creates a strong visual impact with minimal effort

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Care Instructions

• Plant in shallow water or consistently wet soil at a depth of 1 cm to 40 cm, measured from the top of the basket to the water surface.
• Position in full sun or partial shade for best growth. Due to its vigorous nature, allow plenty of space for spreading. In managed environments, divide and thin out rhizomes every few years to prevent overcrowding. Cut back old stems in late autumn or winter to maintain a tidy appearance and encourage fresh growth in spring.

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Flowering Period

June to September

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Size and Growing Conditions

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Dispatching Your Pond Plants

Your Common Bulrush will be carefully packed to protect the foliage and roots during transit.

Orders received by 11am Monday to Wednesday are normally dispatched on the following working day using a next working day courier service. During busy periods, dispatch may occasionally take an extra day.

To avoid plants being held in depots over a weekend, we do not usually dispatch on Fridays. Highlands and Islands orders using a two day service are not normally dispatched on Thursdays.

Available basket sizes:

• 1 Litre Basket – usually 11 × 11 × 11cm square; some varieties may be supplied in a 14cm diameter × 10cm round basket
• Pack of 3 × 1 Litre Baskets – each usually 11 × 11 × 11cm square
• 3 Litre Hexagonal Basket – 18 × 18 × 16cm

Planting depth is measured from the top of the aquatic basket to the water surface.

Finofil baskets are manufactured in the UK from 100% recycled plastic and are fully recyclable. Their fine dual-mesh construction helps retain aquatic soil while allowing water and nutrients to reach the roots. Basket shape may vary slightly depending on the plant and supplier availability.

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Similar pond plants

For another pond-edge planting option, compare Lesser Bulrush (Typha angustifolia) and Common Monkey Flower (Mimulus guttatus). Explore the Typha pond plant group to compare the whole collection.

Explore more marginal pond plants or browse our complete pond plants range. Need baskets, aquatic soil or planting essentials? Browse our pond plant baskets and aquatic planting supplies.