Although common, I have always loved cat-tails, perhaps because of the 'swamp' behind my childhood house.  The cat-tail family (Typhaceae) is composed of only one genus Typha with fewer than 15 species growing worldwide in marshes in temperate and tropical wetlands (northern boundary zone 3 to 5).  Their strong growing rhizomes form dense colonies.

Cat-tails also illustrate the same versatility that grasses proclaim.  Leaves: nesting materials for birds, matting, thatching, caning.  Rhizomes: edible, high in starch, potential food source. Seeds: substitute for down.  Ecological: filtering agents in polluted wetlands.

Male and female flowers form separate sections on each inflorescence producing innumerable seeds (100,000+)

Cat-tails although vigorous growers, can be managed by growing in tubs or containers.  Typha minima is a good choice for smaller pools, ponds, and containers (zone 5).