Lizard's tail (Saururus cernuus)

Overview

Saururus cernuus, widely known as Lizard’s tail, is a distinctive, rhizomatous perennial valued for its ability to thrive in consistently wet environments. This marginal aquatic plant brings unique vertical texture to water features with its slender, drooping flower spikes, which give the plant its charming common name. Lizard’s tail is native to Eastern North America, making it an excellent choice for establishing naturalized wetland areas.

This herbaceous perennial is remarkably easy to care for, earning a low maintenance rating once established in its preferred damp location. Saururus cernuus features attractive heart-shaped leaves set upon branching stems. Its ability to tolerate heavy shade yet perform well in full sun provides gardeners with versatility when planning waterside plantings.

For gardeners setting up water gardens, this plant offers both aesthetic interest and functional utility in pond margins or rain gardens. The tiny white flowers of Saururus cernuus are fragrant, adding an unexpected sensory detail to the summer landscape while integrating seamlessly into native plantings across USDA Zones 3 through 9.

Fast Facts

• Plant Family: Saururaceae
• Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
• Native Range: Eastern North America
• Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 3-9
• Size at Maturity:
  • Height: 1-2 ft
  • Spread: 1-2 ft
• Bloom Time: June to September
• Bloom Description: White
• Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
• Water Needs: Wet
• Maintenance Level: Low

How to Grow

Planting rhizomes or containerized Saururus cernuus should occur when spring warming begins, ensuring the plant has time to establish before winter dormancy. For water gardens, the best placement is in containers submerged so the soil line is only 6 inches deep or less. If naturalizing along pond margins, plant rhizomes directly into sandy or muddy pond edges or moist, boggy soils where water naturally collects.

Ongoing care for Lizard’s tail is minimal. It requires consistently wet soil conditions; supplemental watering is unnecessary if sited correctly in a bog or pond. Since this plant is not overly demanding regarding fertility, fertilizing is rarely necessary. Pruning generally involves cleaning up any dead foliage in the early spring before new growth emerges.

This perennial spreads vigorously via its rhizomes, which will happily colonize suitable wet areas, forming dense colonies over time. While it flowers best in full sun to partial shade, be aware that Saururus cernuus can tolerate full shade, though flowering may be reduced. Starting seeds is possible, but best managed in containers before transplanting to the desired saturation point.

Landscape Uses

Saururus cernuus excels in any area designed to hold excess moisture, making it a fundamental component of water or bog gardens. Its requirement for wetness means it thrives along the edges of ornamental pools or natural ponds where its root system can remain saturated. Utilizing Lizard’s tail in rain gardens is ideal, as it naturally filters runoff while adding vertical structure near downspouts or low areas in the landscape.

When designing borders, pair this upright perennial with other marginal plants like irises or larger bog shrubs that share similar high-moisture demands. Planting Lizard’s tail in tubs or ornamental containers offers flexibility, allowing you to move the plant slightly if shading conditions change throughout the season. This species’ natural tendency to naturalize means it requires thoughtful placement to prevent it from overwhelming less aggressive neighbors.

Standout Features

Flower Qualities

• Showy
• Fragrant

Noteworthy Characteristics

The genus name Saururus is derived from the Greek words sauros meaning a lizard and oura meaning a tail, referencing the dense, drooping, spike-like racemes of tiny white flowers that can reach 4 to 12 inches long. Saururus cernuus yields fruits that are small and warty, and the entire plant, including the flowers and roots, often possesses a pleasant citrus aroma. This rhizomatous, deciduous perennial thrives as a marginal aquatic, typically growing 1 to 2 feet tall in cultivation, though reaching 4 feet in prime wild habitats.

Tolerances

• Heavy Shade
• Wet Soil

Potential Problems

Saururus cernuus rarely succumbs to serious pest or disease issues, which is a significant benefit for low-maintenance gardeners. Due to its aquatic nature, the main threat is inconsistent water levels—allowing the soil to dry out completely during the growing season will stress or kill the plant. Monitor for signs of stress if planted outside of established pond edges, ensuring year-round high moisture levels are maintained.

Frequently Asked Questions

What hardiness zones is Lizard’s tail suitable for?

Saururus cernuus is reliably hardy across USDA Zones 3 through 9, giving it a very wide range of adaptability in North America.

How large does Saururus cernuus grow?

Mature Lizard’s tail typically reaches a height between 1 and 2 feet, with a similar spread, though it can grow taller when situated in its native, wetter environments.

What sun exposure does Lizard’s tail need?

This plant performs best when situated in full sun to part shade locations, but it is noteworthy that Saururus cernuus will still produce flowers even when growing in full shade.

When does Saururus cernuus bloom?

Lizard’s tail produces its characteristic white, fragrant blooms throughout the summer months, generally spanning from June into September.

Conclusion

Saururus cernuus offers exceptional value as a resilient, low-maintenance perennial uniquely suited for aquatic borders and consistently moist garden locations. The nodding, fragrant flower spikes of Lizard’s tail provide late-summer interest that few other marginal plants can match. Always confirm your USDA hardiness zone compatibility before planting this distinctive pond-edge beauty.

Companion Planting

When selecting companions for Saururus cernuus, prioritize other moisture-loving native plants to create a cohesive and resilient waterside ecosystem. Plants that naturally inhabit the edges of streams or bogs will integrate well culturally. Consider pairing Lizard’s tail with native sedges (Carex spp.) or marsh marigolds (Caltha palustris) for varied texture while maintaining the wet soil requirements that Saururus cernuus demands.

Propagation Tips

Propagating Lizard’s tail is straightforward thanks to its vigorous, spreading rhizomes. The easiest method is division; dig up the clump during the dormant season (late autumn or very early spring) and gently separate sections of the rhizome, ensuring each piece has adequate roots and a growth bud attached. These divisions can be replanted immediately into the appropriate wet soil or containerized water garden substrate.