Wow Bill, I haven't seen cattails grow in water deeper than about 2 feet, but that is rare. We have both broadleaf and narrowleaf but the broadleaf is more common. Maybe I just haven't payed as close attention as to the depth of the water where the cattails are growing though. I'll have to take a second look.
One thing I have noticed is as ponds age and cattails continue to grow along their edges. The dying cattails from season after season add up and leads to a substantial detritus layer. Over time this can allow cattails to spread out into the pond. Cattails also help stop erosion and the soil they stop will build up around them and settle making the water shallower and allowing the cattails to spread out further into the pond.
Last edited by CJBS2003; 10/31/09 09:23 PM. Reason: added more info
