Saururus cernuus (Lizard Tail)
Lizard's Tail, Lizard Tail, Breastweed, Water Dragon, Swamp Lily, American Swamp Lily
Saururus cernuus (Lizard Tail) is a rhizomatous, marginal aquatic perennial boasting erect, branching stems clothed with dark green, heart-shaped leaves, 3-6 in. long (7-15 cm). Blooming for about a month in spring or summer (depending on geographic areas), slender, nodding spikes of tiny white flowers resembling lizard tails are on display. They give way to small green fruits. The flowers, leaves and roots exude a pleasant citrus aroma. Lizard tail is a great spreading groundcover for moist soils, shallow water, and containers.
- Grows up to 12-24 in. tall and wide (30-60 cm). Unrestrained rhizomes will spread to form colonies.
- Thrives in full sun or part shade in boggy ground or pond margin in water no deeper than 4 in. (10 cm). While the preference is part shade, this plant will flower in full shade.
- Great as a groundcover or for water gardens, bog gardens, along ponds and streams or containers.
- Virtually pest and disease free. Deer resistant.
- Propagate by division in spring. Divide regularly to maintain vigor. Cut back after flowering.
- Native to eastern North America, from Ontario, Quebec and southern New England south to Florida and Texas.
Buy Saururus cernuus (Lizard Tail)
Requirements
Hardiness | 3
– 10 |
---|---|
Heat Zones | 5
– 10 |
Plant Type | Aquatic Plants, Perennials |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Mid,Late) Summer (Early,Mid,Late) |
Height | 1' – 2' (30cm – 60cm) |
Spread | 1' – 2' (30cm – 60cm) |
Spacing | 24" (60cm) |
Water Needs | High |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Poorly Drained |
Characteristics | Fragrant, Showy |
Native Plants | United States, Midwest, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Michigan, Missouri, Ohio, Northeast, Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Southeast, Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, Southwest, Texas |
Tolerance | Deer, Wet Soil |
Attracts | Birds |
Garden Uses | Bog Gardens, Ground Covers, Patio and Containers, Ponds and Streams, Water Gardens |
Garden Styles | Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow |
By Nikolay Kurzenko, mccw thissen, Shutterstock
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
Requirements
Hardiness | 3
– 10 |
---|---|
Heat Zones | 5
– 10 |
Plant Type | Aquatic Plants, Perennials |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Mid,Late) Summer (Early,Mid,Late) |
Height | 1' – 2' (30cm – 60cm) |
Spread | 1' – 2' (30cm – 60cm) |
Spacing | 24" (60cm) |
Water Needs | High |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Poorly Drained |
Characteristics | Fragrant, Showy |
Native Plants | United States, Midwest, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Michigan, Missouri, Ohio, Northeast, Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Southeast, Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, Southwest, Texas |
Tolerance | Deer, Wet Soil |
Attracts | Birds |
Garden Uses | Bog Gardens, Ground Covers, Patio and Containers, Ponds and Streams, Water Gardens |
Garden Styles | Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow |