Common Cattail Typha latifolia This is the cattail that commonly grows in the wild and virtually everyone is familiar with. The leaves grow up to 10 feet tall and 3/4 of an inch wide. This cattail is too big to cultivate in the average water garden because its size is overpowering and it spreads rapidly. It would be good in a large ponds as a vertical accent in the background. It is easy to grow, it flowers in the summer and produces 'cattails' in late summer and fall, and is dormant in winter.       Rhizomes can be dried and ground into flour. The young shoots are edible raw. The green inflorescence is edible after cooking, and the pollen may be eaten raw. Hardy from zone 3-9.     Hardy from zone 3 to 9.  Variegated Common Cattail Typha latifolia var. variegata Variegated cattail grows 3 or 4 feet high in containers, but up to 7 feet with fertile soil and regular feeding. It produces tall spikes and white and green striped, broad leaves, which are terminated by green catkins, 3 inches in length. The catkins turn brown in the summer. This type can be grown in 1 to 12 inches of water.  Cattail - Dwarf Graceful Typha laxmannii With very finely textured 3 foot grayish-green leaves, and brown flowers, this species is more suitable for decorative pool plantings. This plant is a much more restrained Typha, growing little more than 3' high and producing slender, willowy leaves and attractive dark brown pokers. It thrives in full sun to partial shade, and will grow in mud or up to 6" of water.  Light brown catkins appear in summer. Hardy from zone 3 to 9.     Hardy from zone 3 to 9.  Cattail - Micro-Mini Typha minima 'Europa' 12 to 18" tall with narrow needle like leaves, this is a really delightful, dwarf species. This unique micro-miniature cattail, has delicate reed-like leaves which are bluish-green in color. Sporting masses of 1", round, extremely attractive pokers, it is one of the most popular pond plants available.  Good for natural and lined garden ponds, it grows in mud or up to 4" of water and is non-invasive.   Top of the pot should be 0-3" below the water surface.      Narrow Leaf Cattail Typha angustifolia Narrow dark blue-green leaves. Tolerates brackish water.  Perfect tall background for leafy foliage plants. Flowers May to June. Hardy from USDA Zone: 3 to 9.