Broad-leaved Cattail is a tall, vigorous native wetland plant with long, sword-like leaves and the familiar brown cylindrical flower heads that appear in summer. It grows in marshes, pond edges, shallow water, ditches, and permanently wet soils. It can tolerate standing water. It is an important structural plant for wetland restoration but is generally too aggressive for a small garden pond. It can be grown in large containers placed in water to restrict the rhizomes. It can rapidly colonize shallow water and wet soil. It is best reserved for large ponds, wetlands, and naturalized areas.