Saururaceae

lizard's-tail

Saururus cernuus

Other Common Names

water dragon

Plant Type

Herbaceous Wildflower

Life Cycle

Perennial

Typical Size

1-4 ft. tall
1-2 ft. wide

Inolerant of

Dry Soil

Propagation

By seed, By division

Plant Planting Notes

Lizard’s tail spreads to form large colonies.

Plants/Diseases

No significant disease or pest issues.

Wildlife Benefits

Nectar/pollen source for pollinating insects

Leaves

Leaves alternate, cordate to deltoid with entire margins.

Flowers

Tiny white, fragrant flowers on a raceme

Fruit

Capsule

Bark

Stems zig-zag

Toxicity

No known toxicity.

Saururus cernuus

USDA Hardiness Zones

3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Light Exposure

Full Sun, Part Sun/Shade

Soil Moisture

Aquatic Plant

Soil Drainage

Poorly Drained

Native in South Carolina?

Yes

Plant Native Habitat

Swamps, stream overwash pools, freshwater marshes, beaver ponds, and ditches.

Global Conservation Status (NatureServe)

Secure (G5)

Federal Conservation Status (USFWS)

Not Listed

Distribution Notes

Common in the South Carolina coastal plain, sandhills, and piedmont. Rare in the mountains.