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Saururaceae
Lizard's Tail
Saururus cernuus
Adaptability and quiet elegance in dark places.
- Family
- Saururaceae
- Genus
- Saururus
- Native to
- eastern North America
- Bloom season
- Summer
- Type
- herbaceous perennial
- Height
- 60–120 cm
- Sunlight
- part shade to full shade
- Soil
- wet, boggy, rich organic
- Water
- high; aquatic or bog conditions
- Hardiness
- 4–9
- Lifespan
- perennial; spreads indefinitely by rhizomes
Did you know
- The drooping flower spike curves at the tip like a lizard's tail, giving the plant its common name.
- It thrives in standing water and muddy stream banks where few ornamentals dare to grow.
- The genus name Saururus comes from the Greek 'sauros' (lizard) and 'oura' (tail).
- Native Americans used root preparations as poultices for treating swelling and inflammation.
- Its fragrant white flowers attract a wide variety of insects despite blooming in deep shade.
Color meanings
White
grace in humble settings