Saururus cernuus, commonly known as Lizard’s Tail, is a native perennial found in wetlands, marshes, swamps, and along the edges of ponds and streams throughout Illinois. It thrives in saturated to shallow standing water and prefers partial to light shade, making it well-suited for rain gardens, water gardens, and wetland restoration projects.
This plant features heart-shaped, bright green leaves with a pleasant citrus-like fragrance when crushed. From early to mid-summer, it produces distinctive, arching white flower spikes that resemble a lizard’s tail—hence the name. The flower spikes are composed of tiny, fragrant blooms that attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. Lizard’s Tail typically grows 1.5 to 3 feet tall and spreads by rhizomes to form colonies in wet conditions.
For Illinois native plant enthusiasts, Saururus cernuus is an excellent choice for naturalized wetland areas and water edges. It provides important habitat and cover for amphibians and aquatic wildlife, stabilizes soil in riparian zones, and adds unique texture and movement to wetland plantings.
Saururus cernuus, commonly known as Lizard’s Tail, is a native perennial found in wetlands, marshes, swamps, and along the edges of ponds and streams throughout Illinois. It thrives in saturated to shallow standing water and prefers partial to light shade, making it well-suited for rain gardens, water gardens, and wetland restoration projects.
This plant features heart-shaped, bright green leaves with a pleasant citrus-like fragrance when crushed. From early to mid-summer, it produces distinctive, arching white flower spikes that resemble a lizard’s tail—hence the name. The flower spikes are composed of tiny, fragrant blooms that attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. Lizard’s Tail typically grows 1.5 to 3 feet tall and spreads by rhizomes to form colonies in wet conditions.
For Illinois native plant enthusiasts, Saururus cernuus is an excellent choice for naturalized wetland areas and water edges. It provides important habitat and cover for amphibians and aquatic wildlife, stabilizes soil in riparian zones, and adds unique texture and movement to wetland plantings.
Bloom: summer
Habitats: ditches along wooded areas; seeps and springs in semi-shaded areas; shallow slow-moving streams; shallow vernal pools in wooded areas; soggy openings in floodplain and bottomland woodlands; swamps
Lifespan: perennial
Moisture: wet
Plant type (height): forb (1.5 to 3 feet)
Requirements: partial sun to light shade
Soil: mucky
