Typha laxmannii has a moderate probability of establishment if introduced to the Great Lakes (Confidence level: high). This species occurs across Eurasia in areas with similar climate, temperature, soil conditions, and habitat as those found in the Great Lakes region, according to the Koppen-Geiger climate classification system. In reports on graceful cattail’s spread throughout Europe, researchers have noted that it rapidly becomes established, even in degraded ecosystems such as former coal mining sites (Baryla et al, 2005).
Typha laxmannii has the potential for moderate environmental impact if introduced to the Great Lakes (Confidence level: moderate).
This species is documented to outcompete native plant communities in Eurasia (Baryla et al, 2005). It can also hybridize with T. latifolia to produce a hybrid known as Typha x smirnovii (Mavrodiev, 2000). Limited information is available for this species specifically, but like other invasive cattails, it may also alter hydrology due to its dense monoculture stands.
There is little or no evidence to support that Typha laxmannii has the potential for significant socio-economic impacts if introduced to the Great Lakes.
This species is not reported to damage any market or economic sectors, inhibit recreational activity, pose any human health risk, or diminish perceived aesthetic value of natural areas in any significant way.
Typha laxmannii has the potential for moderate beneficial impacts if introduced to the Great Lakes.
Like other cattail species, T. laxmanii has many uses, including papermaking, weaving, and thatch. This species is recognized as a good source of biomass for compost and fuel, the pollen is flammable and can be used to make fireworks, and the stems can be burned as rushlights. The shoots, young leaves, pollen, and rhizomes are all edible (Plants for a Future Database, 2010).