Photo of Saururus cernuus by Arrowhead Alpines

Photo by Arrowhead Alpines

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Saururus cernuus

Also Known As

  • Lizard's Tail
  • Water Dragon

Plant type

perennial, aquatic

size

  • H: 2'-4'
  • W: 2'-3'

planting zones

  • 5a-11

More Options

Saururus cernuus plant details

Saururus cernuus is a broadleaf semi-evergreen perennial aquatic with green foliage. In spring and summer white flowers emerge. Attracts birds. Grows well with sun - mostly shade and standing water - high water. Does well in average, clay and rich soil. A good option if you're seeking something heat tolerant and humidity tolerant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Saururus cernuus

Plant type: perennial aquatic
Plant family: saururaceae
Foliage: semi-evergreen green
Mature size: 2 FT - 3 FT - wide, 2 FT - 4 FT - tall
Flowers: white blooms in spring and summer
Uses: easy-to-grow

GROWING CONDITIONS for Saururus cernuus

USDA Zones: 5a - 11
Sun exposure: sun - mostly shade
Watering frequency: standing water - high
Resistant to: heat and humidity
Soil needs: average, clay and rich

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Lovely, tough aquatic perennial with erect stems 12-24” in rhizomatous clumps; appreciates shallow water to 6” deep at pond edge or moist boggy gardens; heart shaped leaves are deciduous; drooping white racemes of tiny fragrant white flowers decorate the plants June to September. Full sun to part shade (will flower is significant shade); easy to grow.
Our native Lizard's Tail is one of only two members of the Saururacaea, the other Asian counterpart being listed in the perennial section, this moisture loving perennial can reach 1.25m in height topped by 30cm long inflorescences that taper like a fragrant white lizards tail. If you don't already grow it, buy some and get them planted immediately, don't tempt fate and piss off the lizard god, his wrath should be avoided at all costs, he's already licking his eyeballs at the prospect of new victims. ZONE 5
Plant above water line

By: Moon - Sun Cactus & Koi Gardens

Gardening facts about Saururus cernuus plant

How to Grow Saururus cernuus

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun - mostly shade
  • Water Needs

    • standing water - high
  • Soil Needs

    • clay
    • average
    • rich
  • Special Situation

    • heat tolerant
    • humidity tolerant

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • green
  • Flower Color

    • white
  • Wildlife

    • birds
  • Flower Season

    • spring
    • summer
  • Foliage Season

    • semi-evergreen
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