cattail
Typha sp.

Hardiness: Zones 2-11
Plant type: Herbaceous Perennial
Height: 3-7ft
Spread: 3-5ft
Sun: Full sun to part shade
Water: Wet
Bloom time: May to July
Bloom color: Yellow, green, red
Soil: Will tolerate wide variety of soil conditions, but require perpetually moist soil; can grow in up to 12 inches of water

Notes: Cattails are aggressive colonizers. If left unrestrained, they will crowd out most other water margin plants. If planted directly in the muddy shallows of ponds or pools, site plants carefully because the roots go deep and are hard to eradicate once established.

More information on Typha here.