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Saururus spp.
Lizard's tail
Eastern North America and eastern Asia
Overview
Saururus spp. is a genus of two herbaceous wetland perennials in the family Saururaceae: S. cernuus of eastern North America and S. chinensis of eastern Asia. Plants grow 1.5-4 feet (45-120 cm) tall from spreading rhizomes, forming colonies in shallow water and saturated soil. The heart-shaped leaves are 3-6 inches (8-15 cm) long, mid-green, and arranged alternately on jointed stems. Tiny white fragrant flowers are packed into slender tapering spikes 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) long that nod or arch at the tip, appearing from early to midsummer. The drooping flower spike gives rise to the common name lizard's tail. Plants spread steadily by rhizome and can form dense stands that crowd smaller marginal plants. Foliage dies back in autumn and regrows from the rhizome in spring. In drier soil the leaves wilt and growth is stunted.
Native Range
Native to wetland habitats in two regions: S. cernuus occurs across eastern and central North America, and S. chinensis occurs in eastern China, Korea, Japan, and the Philippines. Both grow in marshes, swamps, pond margins, and slow streams in shallow water or saturated soil.Suggested Uses
Grown at pond and stream margins, in bog gardens, and in rain gardens, spaced 18-24 inches (45-60 cm) apart. Plants stabilize wet soil and fill shallow water edges. The spreading rhizomes make them unsuited to small formal water features without containment.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height1'6" - 4'
Width/Spread2' - 3'
Bloom Information
White flower spikes appear from early to midsummer, roughly June to August in temperate regions. Each colony flowers over several weeks. Spikes fade to green seed-bearing tails as summer progresses.
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
Mid-greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight