Lizard's Tail
Saururus cernuus
Also listed as Mattuschkia aquatica, Neobiondia silvestrii
Also known as Breastweed, Water-dragon, Swamp Lily
Climate Match for your location
See how well Lizard's Tail grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
A native wetland perennial with heart-shaped leaves and distinctive nodding, white flower spikes. Thrives in boggy or water garden settings and adds tropical appeal to damp landscapes.
Why grow it
Lizard's tail distinguishes itself among native wetland perennials through its nodding inflorescences and heart-shaped foliage, offering textural contrast in boggy or shallow water settings where many ornamental alternatives struggle. Unlike some moisture-loving species that prefer upland soils, this plant tolerates prolonged inundation and seasonal flooding, making it useful for poorly drained sites, rain gardens, and water garden margins where conventional perennials fail.
Watch out for
In consistently wet conditions, lizard's tail can spread vigorously by rhizomes, requiring periodic division or containment to prevent overtaking neighboring plantings. The plant performs poorly in dry soils or areas with irregular water availability, so it should not be installed in landscapes lacking reliable moisture or drought-tolerant zone specifications.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Saururaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Eastern North America
Native to: Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Michigan, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Wisconsin, West Virginia
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Herb
Soft non-woody plants of the field layer.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
A native wetland perennial with heart-shaped leaves and distinctive nodding, white flower spikes. Thrives in boggy or water garden settings and adds tropical appeal to damp landscapes.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Lizard's Tail grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Lizard's tail distinguishes itself among native wetland perennials through its nodding inflorescences and heart-shaped foliage, offering textural contrast in boggy or shallow water settings where many ornamental alternatives struggle. Unlike some moisture-loving species that prefer upland soils, this plant tolerates prolonged inundation and seasonal flooding, making it useful for poorly drained sites, rain gardens, and water garden margins where conventional perennials fail.
Watch out for
In consistently wet conditions, lizard's tail can spread vigorously by rhizomes, requiring periodic division or containment to prevent overtaking neighboring plantings. The plant performs poorly in dry soils or areas with irregular water availability, so it should not be installed in landscapes lacking reliable moisture or drought-tolerant zone specifications.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Saururaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Eastern North America
Native to: Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Michigan, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Wisconsin, West Virginia
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Herb
Soft non-woody plants of the field layer.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
Similar herbs you might consider:
Enter your ZIP code to see top native species and strong climate fits for you.