Heart-shaped leaves on vertical stems give rise to creamy white flower spikes with drooping tips. The flower spikes are 6 to 8 in. long. When the flowers go to seed the curving spike is covered with grayish nutlets that look similar to a lizard’s tail. All parts of the plant smell like citrus.
Native Plant Database
Header Photo: Mervin Wallace
Lizard’s Tail
Saururus cernuus
Plant Type: Herbaceous Perennials
Native Environment: Stream Edge, Wetland
Season of Interest: Mid (May - June), Late (July - frost)
Main Color: White
Fall Color:
USDA PLANTS Range Map
At the range map link above, zoom in for county-level data
Photo: Carol Davit
Sun Exposure
Medium Sun/Average Shade
Soil
Moisture
High
Nature Attracting
Pollinators/Beneficial Insects
Wildlife Benefit
Cover
Animal
Resistance
Deer Resistant, Rabbit Resistant
Size
Height:
24 to
48
inches
Spread:
24 to
60
inches
Size
Height: 24 to
48
inches
Spread: 24 to
60
inches
Size
Height: 24 to
48
inches
Spread: 24 to
60
inches
Typical Landscape Use
Plant in shallow water around the edge of ponds. The thick mat of roots help stabilize pond banks.
Establishment and Care Instructions
Grow in shallow water to moist or wet soil in full to medium sun. Spreads moderately underground.
Special Features
Special Usage
Fragrant
Basic Description
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Where Can I Find This Plant in Nature?
Learn about the Native Environment(s) inhabited by the plants in this database.