Saururus cernuus (Lizard's Tail) Unity Grown

Saururus cernuus, also called lizard's tail or water-dragon, is a medium-height wetland plant with fragrant, heart-shaped leaves that produce a citrus or sassafras aroma when crushed. In the summer months, lizard's tail produce a long, drooping spike of white flowers, usually 6-8" in length, which attract a variety of small pollinating insects. In the late summer, flowers turn beige or brown upon reaching maturity; this darker colored flower spike's resemblance to a lizard's tail is what gives the plant its common name. Saururus cernuus is native to swamps and boggy areas across the eastern United States, and is capable of growing with roots fully submerged in water

As a wetland plant, lizard's tail is perfectly suited for use in a rain garden or in any areas prone to flooding, and can be used for wetland restoration projects or as pond plants as well. Saururus cernuus performs best full sun or partial shade, but also tolerates heavy shade. Thanks to its wetland and aquatic habits, lizard's tail is an important plant for erosion control, but is also valuable forage for both wood ducks and beavers. Though lizard's tail is tolerant of inundation and seasonal flooding, it is not tolerant of salt exposure.