Typha angustifolia is a perennial herbaceous plant species in the family Typhaceae, commonly known as the narrowleaf cattail or lesser reedmace. It is one of the most prolific and versatile wetland plants, with a history of use by indigenous populations across the Northern Hemisphere for food, fiber, and medicine. The genus name Typha is derived from the Greek typhos, meaning "marsh" or "fen," or possibly typhē, referring to the plant’s smokelike brown flower spike, while the species epithet angustifolia is Latin for “narrow-leaved,” distinguishing it from its broader-leaved relative, Typha latifolia.

The plant is characterized by its slender, strap-like leaves and its distinctive cylindrical inflorescence, which consists of a dense brown spike of female flowers separated by a small gap from the narrower spike of male flowers above. Native to temperate and subtropical regions of Europe, Asia, and North America, Typha angustifolia is a highly adaptable hydrophyte that thrives in marshes, ditches, and brackish waters. It often forms dense monocultures that provide critical habitat for wetland fauna, though it is considered invasive in some North American ecosystems where it hybridizes with native species.

As a food source, Typha angustifolia is frequently referred to as the "supermarket of the swamp" due to its year-round utility. In early spring, the young emerging shoots and the inner stalks of the plant are harvested and eaten raw or cooked, possessing a flavor and texture reminiscent of cucumber or asparagus. In late spring, the immature green flower spikes are boiled and eaten like corn on the cob. By mid-summer, the yellow pollen is collected from the male spikes and used as a protein-rich flour extender or thickener in breads and cakes. The rhizomes, which are rich in starch, are harvested in autumn and winter to be eaten as a root vegetable or processed into a high-quality flour.

Nutritionally, the rhizomes and pollen of Typha angustifolia provide significant amounts of complex carbohydrates and vegetable protein. The plant contains various bioactive compounds, including sitosterols and fatty acids found in the pollen, as well as flavonoids and polyphenols that exhibit antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. While generally safe, the plant is a known bioaccumulator; because it filters water so effectively, it can sequester heavy metals and pollutants from contaminated environments, potentially making the tissues toxic if harvested from polluted waters.