I've always followed the Barney Fife method for cattail control ("Nip it in the bud, Andy!") and completely removed any plants each year.

I have watched them completely take over the shore line of a small (1/4 acre?) pond on my way to work, covering the area about 10-12 feet out from the shore, over a ten year or so period. So I believe they can spread pretty fast.


"Live like you'll die tomorrow, but manage your grass like you'll live forever."
-S. M. Stirling
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