Saururus cernuus
aka
Lizard's Tail
Taxonomy
Saururus cernuus, also known as lizard's tail, water-dragon, dragon's tail, or swamp root, is a herbaceous perennial plant native to eastern North America. It can grow up to about a meter tall and is found in wet areas or shallow water, making it an obligate wetland plant. The leaves are usually heart-shaped, arrow-shaped, or lance-shaped, and when crushed, they release a citrus or sassafras aroma. The plant produces white aromatic flowers on top of hairy stems opposite the top leaf. The flower structure is a spike with lots of small white flowers that form an arch. After floral maturity, the white flowers turn brown, giving the plant its namesake, lizard's tail. The seeds form a structure that looks similar to a wrinkled lizard's tail. As an aquatic plant, it is an important food source for many wetland animals, including beavers. However, in an exclusion study, beavers reduced the prevalence of S. cernuus by 45%.
The plant has medicinal properties and has been used to treat swelling in the body. Cherokee and Chocktaw Native Americans mashed up S. cernuus roots as a poultice and applied the plant to soothe inflammation of the breasts and back. The Seminoles used the plant as an antirheumatic, as well as a way to soothe fevers and body aches. Lizard's tail plants are also an important part of wetland ecosystems. They provide habitats for small aquatic invertebrates, which draw fish and other species. In addition, after the plant dies, it is decomposed by fungi and bacteria which provide food for aquatic invertebrates.
The plant can be propagated by seed or root division and grows in swamps and shallow water. It can be planted on the pond's edges or in the water. Lizard's tail plants are also known by other names such as lizard's tail swamp lilies and Saururus lizard's tail. They are perennial plants that can grow up to 4 feet tall and have a hairy stem with very few, if any, branches. Their native range covers much of the eastern United States, as far west as eastern Texas and Kansas, south to Florida, and north to Michigan and New York state. Saururus cernuus also occurs in Ontario, Canada.
Common names
Lizard's Tail, Swamp Lily, Lizards Tail
How to care for Lizard's Tail
Caring for Lizard's Tail is a breeze, as it is highly adaptable and forgiving to minor neglect.
Lizard's Tail loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.
Lizard's Tail requires abundant, bright, and direct light to thrive. The best placement for this plant is within one foot of a window to ensure it receives enough light. If you live in an area with more extreme weather, such as hot summers or cold winters, you may need to adjust the placement of the plant accordingly. During hot summer months, it is important to place the plant away from full sun, as this can cause the leaves to yellow or burn. During cold winter months, it is best to move the plant closer to the window to take advantage of the extra light that can help it survive. By keeping an eye on the current weather in your area, you can make sure your Swamp Lily is always in the right place to thrive.
Ploi lacks confirmed information on the toxicity of this plant. If you, a relative, or your pet accidentally consume plant material with unknown toxicity, it's best to consult a medical expert.
New growth will sprout from the top of the Lizard's Tail as it grows vertically.
Lizard's Tail’s native range is Eastern N. America - Rhode Island to Florida, west to Texas and Minnesota.
More info:
Wikipedia
