Are you an outdoor enthusiast looking for something new to add to your garden? Do you want a plant that stands out from the crowd, with a unique look that will make your friends do double-takes?
Then you’re in luck because you can now enjoy the whimsical delight of growing a ‘corn dog plant’ in your backyard or patio!
This rare and unusual species produces pupae resembling miniature hotdogs on long stems full of bright blooms.
Not only are they beautiful and eye-catching, but their resilient nature means they require little maintenance to thrive.
Read on for more information on why a corn dog looking plant is worth some space in your yard.
The List of Corn Dog Looking Plants
- Miniature Cattail
- Graceful Cattail
- Narrowleaf Cattail
- The Common Cattail
- The Southern Cattail
- Typha x Glauca
- The Chenille Plant
- Acorus Calamus
- Blue Flag
- Yellow flag
- Bulrush
Plants that Look Like Corn Dogs
The corn dog grass listed here are all easy to propagate, making them ideal for the novice gardener.
With some basic care and a sunny spot in your garden, you’ll soon be the proud owner of a corn dog looking plant that will draw admiring glances!
1. Miniature Cattail
The Miniature Cattail is undoubtedly the darling of all the Cattails. This species, which is also the smallest, is about 30 to 80 centimeters (12-13 inches) in height.
This extraordinary species of plant is unique to particular temperate regions located in Europe and Asia, making it a rare find.
Because it’s a small plant, it cannot endure more than an inch of water above its roots before succumbing to overwatering.
Gardeners far and wide are captivated by the petite Miniature Cattail, making it one of the most sought-after pond plants for purchase online. Its delightful appearance, authenticity, and beauty is an inviting addition to any garden space.
2. Graceful Cattail
This dwarf cattail species looks somewhat like an ear of miniature corn. Typha Laxmannii is a member of an aquatic plant family native to Russia and can grow up to 4 feet (1.2 meters) tall.
Their leaves are narrower than Common Cattails, but their flower heads are larger, providing cover for fish and other aquatic animals.
They prefer water depths of less than 2 feet (0.6 meters). Humans don’t eat the flowering cattail, but it has been used as animal fodder. Some even use it for medicinal purposes.
3. Narrowleaf Cattail
As its name suggests, the Narrowleaf Cattail takes after its larger relative, the Common Cattail. However, it is slimmer in stature with a leaner “corn dog” shape. It commonly inhabits marshes, fens, irrigation canals, river streams, and lake margins.
Resilient in regular flooding and brackish environments, the Narrowleaf Cattail is a remarkable wetland species. Unperturbed by even the finest sediment and soil that flow in running water, it stands firm.
Its resistance to environmental stressors in aquatic habitats enables it to outcompete other species, resulting in the formation of monocultures.
In order to differentiate between the Narrowleaf Cattail and Common Cattail, one should observe them in late summer once their flowers have bloomed.
The Narrowleaf Cattail boasts a more slender flowering body, as well as an interval of 0.8-4.7 inches (2-12 cm) between its male and female flowers.
4. The Common Cattail
Common Cattails can be found in multiple continents around the globe, including North and South America, Europe, and Africa. These marsh plants are found in areas with a water depth of less than 2.6 feet (0.8 meters)
It thrives in freshwater conditions, but can also survive and adapt to brackish wetland ecosystems.
The sturdy, yet spongy stem of the plant is a widely adored toy for people of all ages.
Crack it open, and you’ll be met with an avalanche of feathery seeds. Perhaps the cutest cattail.
5. The Southern Cattail
Distinguishing itself from other Cattail species, Southern Cattails can thrive in environments with higher salt concentrations than their counterparts. This species can not only survive but also thrive in depths greater than its other forms.
The majestic Southern Cattail can reach heights of up to 13 feet in its natural habitats, with flowers that range from 3-15 inches.
A surefire way to identify the Southern Cattail in comparison with other Typha varieties is through its specific placement of male flowers and greenish female flowers.
Common Cattails tend to grow in close proximity, whereas Southern Cattail’s flower clusters remain spaced.
6. Typha x Glauca
Typha x Glauca, a hybrid of Cattail, is the result of breeding Typha Latifolia (Common Cattail) and Typha Angustifolia (Hybrid Cattail). It is therefore considered an invader across the mid-west United States.
As a hybrid, it boasts the remarkable characteristics of its parent plants – exhibiting delicate, linear, and slender leaves that have sheathing bases.
This edible Cattail is also easy to cultivate in both loamy and sandy soil and flourishes when exposed to full or partial sunlight.
7. The Chenille Plant
This inedible plant is also known as the red hot cat’s tail. This flowering shrub is of the family Euphorbiaceae which can be found growing naturally in lush wild habitats across Eastern Asia, Oceania, and Hawaii.
Usually, it sports lavish fuzzy spikes that dangle down, this plant proudly maintains its radiant red hue. Comparatively, Cattails boast brownish spikes that stand strong and tall.
Chennils tend to thrive on slightly damp surfaces with partial or full sunlight and a temperature of 60°F – unlike Cattails, which require moist soil for optimal growth.
8. Acorus Calamus
Also known as sweet flags, the Acorus Calamus is a wetland plant that blossoms in temperatures, typically found near streams or ponds.
Keep in mind that Sweet Flags have scales on their flower spikes and grow up to 10 cm long, a feature not present in its cousin, the Cattail.
Also, this plant rarely surpasses 2 to 5 feet. At a quick glance, the sweet flag may appear to resemble the Cattail bush when in its younger stages.
The entire plant affects the nervous system negatively, making it inedible for humans.
9. The Blue Flag
With over 300 native plant species sprawled across the globe, Irises are a vibrant and diverse collection of flowering plants.
Blue flag irises, similar to cattail plants, thrive in all kinds of wetland areas: from freshwater marshes to ponds.
In reality, they appear quite similar due to their more condensed growth and the fact that they reach maturity at a height of 2-3 feet.
Often confused with Cattails, these plants mature to reveal their true identity with the display of purplish blue flowers that make them unmistakable.
In contrast to corn-dog plants, Blue Flag irises produce flowers that are not sausage-shaped.
10. Yellow flag
Just like Cattails in their early stages, Yellow Flag Irises gracefully thrive in wetlands across hardiness zones. After approximately three years, these plants will develop vibrant yellow flowers.
Unfortunately, these cattails will never produce the iconic blooms. Be aware that the Yellow Flag can become a nuisance when cultivated outside of its native environment.
This plant is extremely toxic and must be kept far away from both people and animals.
11. Bulrush
Numerous unsuspecting people often mix up bulrush with cattails, despite the fact that it doesn’t have the iconic corn dog-like flower spikes.
These plants are members of the sedge family, and they grow in temperate climates only, located mostly across the northern hemisphere.
Not only does bulrush provide a beautiful aesthetic to bodies of water, but it also acts as an effective purification system for them.
The stalks of this particular plant boast remarkable fibrous strands that can be used for a variety of weaving projects.
Furthermore, its leaves closely resemble cattails and are affixed with brown flowers, making it look like mini-corn dogs from a distance.
Are Corn Dog Looking Plants Edible?
No, corn dog looking plants are not generally edible since most of them belong to the Cattail family. The only exception is edible Cattail which can be safely consumed.
Although there are some species that may cause intestinal discomfort or other side effects if eaten in large quantities. It’s best to enjoy these corn dog looking plants from a distance.
Tips for Taking Care Of Corn Dog Looking Plants
- Cattails need plenty of sunshine and soil or water that has been kept consistently moist. Although they may endure short-term water shortages, these plants cannot flourish in standing-water environments that lack proper drainage.
- Give them plenty of space and avoid planting too close to other plants to help them reach their full potential.
- To limit their propagation, it is essential to snip off flower heads before they disseminate fluffy seeds or take precautionary measures to forestall root growth.
- Finally, corn dog looking plants often require periodic maintenance to remain lush and healthy. Trimming off dead stalks can make all the difference in their appearance.
FAQs
Are Southern Cattails poisonous?
No, southern cattails are not poisonous. In fact, they are edible and often used in corn dog recipes. However, they may cause some digestive discomfort like diarrhea or vomiting if eaten in large quantities. It’s best to avoid consuming corn dog looking plants unless you’re sure that it is edible.
Are Cattails important to wildlife?
Yes. Cattails are important to wildlife. Not only do they offer essential refuge for wildlife, but also serve as a haven for birds to nest and find food. Fish too benefit from the shelter of trees, relying on them for cover and dining on their insects. Cattails are also a major food source for ducks.
Are Cattails Invasive plants?
Yes. Cattails are invasive plants. They are able to spread quickly and can take over a wet or flooded area if not monitored carefully. If you think you may have a cattail problem, it’s best to contact a local wildlife agency or weed control specialist for assistance.
Conclusion
The corn dog looking plant is a great way to add interest to your garden. The corn dog looking plant tips we’ve provided should help you get started thinking about how you can take care of these beautiful flowers all season long.
You can find this plant at most nurseries or online retailers. Be sure to grab one before they’re all gone.
Interesting Read: Can You Put Rocks on Top of Potting Soil?
