Typhaceae

Aquatic to semi-aquatic, often emerging from the water, non-woody (herbaceous) perennials with creeping rhizomes. Leaves alternate or almost all basal (and opposite) in 2 vertical rows, one row on either side of the stem; flat or keeled, parallel-veined, long, linear, spongy, upright or floating, sheathing at the leaf base.

Flowers small, grouped in round complex heads along the stem and branches, or long densely-flowered complex spikes at the top of the stem, the pollen-producing flowers separate from and clustered together above the clusters of seed-producing flowers; pollen producing flowers wither, leaving only the seed-producing flowers noticeable later in the season. Each flower cluster surrounded by a spathe that falls off as the flowers are opening. Petals none. Sepals reduced to small scales and/or bristles. Pollen-producing flowers each with 1-8 stamens, the stalks fused or separate. Seed-producing flowers each with 1 carpel and 1 pistil; ovary located above point of attachment of other flower parts (superior); style 1, persisting in fruit. Fruit small dry beaked achenes or achene-like capsules.