Where Typha latifolia and Typha angustifolia occur together, hybrids are common, especially in habitats with variable water levels.
Hybrids are almost always intermediate in form between the parent species.
The leaves typically do not extend above the spike. Flower structure a dense, dark brown, cylindrical spike on the end of a stout, 3'-10' stem. Female fruiting spike pale green when in flower, drying to brownish, later blackish brown or reddish brown, in fruit, often mottled with whitish patches of pistil-hair tips. Fruit a tiny, tufted nutlet. Identifiable as a cattail by its tall, sword-shaped leaves and distinctive fruiting spikes.