Anoka Ecosystems:
Cattail Marsh
Cattail marshes are emergent marshes dominated by cattails, though they may have up to 30% tree cover, and up to 50% shrub cover. This community is very common and well known in our region and occurs along lakes within shallow basins and along the backwaters of many of our streams. Cattails grow in a muck bottom or a buoyant peat mat which does not actually touch the lake bottom. Associated plant species vary greatly, however sedges are common.
Natural cattail marshes often look like they ar composed solely of broad-leaved cattail, but in truth they have a variety of marsh species such as lake sedge, woolgrass, and softstem bulrush, as well as some rich fen species such as St. John's-wort. Other common sedges may include jewel-weed, broad-leaved arrowhead, mad-dog skullcap, marsh skullcap, and blue vervain.
Though this type of ecosystem is very common and among the more well-known, it is likely less common that it was in the late 19th century. In addition, many of the recently developed cattail communities are not considered natural or true cattail marshes because they are dominated by narrow-leaved cattails, a hybrid species, and do not have the species diversity that broad-leaved cattail marshes, or natural cattail marshes, have. However, to most people the difference between the natural and unnatural cattail marshes is barely discernable, if at all.
Sources:
"Minnesota Land Cover Classification System: User Manual." Version 5.3 Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Central Region, 2004.
"Minnesota's Native Vegetation: A Key to Natural Communities" Version 1.5 Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Natural Heritage Program, 1993.
Wovcha, D, Delaney, B, Nordquist, G. Minnesota's St. Croix River Valley and Anoka Sandplain: A Guide to Native Habitats Minneapolis: University of Minnesota, 1995.
