Lizard’s-tail (Saururus cernuus, Sp. Pl.: 341 (1753))

Family: Saururaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 341 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Saururus

Vegetable: Unknown

Observations: E. Canada to Mexico (Coahuila, Guerrero, Michoacán)

Description

Lizard’s-tail, known scientifically as Saururus cernuus, is a distinctive and intriguing plant native to a wide range of regions stretching from Eastern Canada down through Mexico, including Coahuila, Guerrero, and Michoacán. Classified under the family Saururaceae, this perennial herb is recognized for its unique and ornamental characteristics that have drawn the attention of botanists and plant enthusiasts alike since its formal classification was documented in 1753 by the eminent botanist Carl Linnaeus.

The plant typically thrives in wetland environments such as marshes, swamps, and along the edges of ponds and streams. Adapted to these moist habitats, Lizard’s-tail exhibits a growth form that includes tall, slender stems which can reach a height of 1 to 2 meters. Its leaves are heart-shaped, featuring a vivid green coloration which contributes to its lush, verdant appearance that enhances the aesthetics of its natural surroundings.

One of the most distinctive attributes of Lizard’s-tail is its striking inflorescence. The plant produces elongated, drooping spikes of tiny white flowers that curve gracefully, often resembling the tail of a lizard – hence the common name. These flower spikes not only add to the plant’s ornamental value but also play a role in attracting various pollinators, including bees and butterflies, making it an important plant for supporting local ecosystems.

Saururus cernuus demonstrates a fascinating reproductive strategy through both seed production and vegetative means. This dual mode of propagation ensures the persistence and spread of the species within its native habitat, contributing to its resilience and survival. Moreover, the plant’s root system is robust and rhizomatous, enabling it to anchor firmly in the saturated soils of its aquatic environment.

Beyond its ecological role, Lizard’s-tail has also been noted for its historical ethnobotanical uses by various indigenous cultures. It has been employed in traditional remedies, although such uses should be approached with caution and respect for the knowledge and practices of these communities.

In garden settings, Saururus cernuus is often utilized in native plant gardens and water features due to its preference for wet conditions and its visually appealing flower spikes. It not only enhances biodiversity but also serves as a reminder of the natural beauty found in wetland ecosystems.

Overall, Lizard’s-tail is a fascinating and versatile plant with significant ecological, ornamental, and cultural value. Its widespread range from Canada to Mexico underscores its adaptability and importance to the diverse habitats it occupies.

Common Names

Ita: coda di lucertola
Deu: eidechsenschwänzchen
Nld: leidse plant
Eng: lizard’s tail, lizard’s-tail
Fra: lézardelle penchée, saurure penché, saurure penchée
Swe: ödlesvans
En: Lizard’s-tail, Lizard’s tail, LIZARDS TAIL, Swamp Lily
Zh: 蜥尾草
Cs: Ještěrkovec nicí
Nl: Leidse plant
Fr: Lézardelle penchée, Saurure penché, Saurure penchée, Queue-de-lézard
De: Eidechsenschwänzchen
It: Coda di lucertola
Sv: Ödlesvans

Synonyms

• Mattuschkia aquatica ((L.) J.F.Gmel.)
• Saururus cernuus f. submersus (Glück)
• Neobiondia silvestrii (Pamp.)

Distribution

• Alabama (native)
• Arkansas (native)
• Delaware (native)
• District of Columbia (native)
• Florida (native)
• Georgia (native)
• Illinois (native)
• Indiana (native)
• Kansas (native)
• Kentucky (native)
• Louisiana (native)
• Maine (native)
• Maryland (native)
• Mexico Northeast (native)
• Mexico Southwest (native)
• Michigan (native)
• Mississippi (native)
• Missouri (native)
• New Jersey (native)
• New York (native)
• North Carolina (native)
• Ohio (native)
• Oklahoma (native)
• Ontario (native)
• Pennsylvania (native)
• Québec (native)
• Rhode I. (native)
• South Carolina (native)
• Tennessee (native)
• Texas (native)
• Virginia (native)
• West Virginia (native)
• Wisconsin (native)
• Corse (introduced)
• France (introduced)
• Great Britain (introduced)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Sep 10, 2021 by cscoq (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 5, 2021 by Gayle Judkins (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 22, 2022 by William Coville (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 5, 2021 by Gayle Judkins (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 24, 2013 by EOL − Simon Kingston (cc-by-nc)

Leaf

Taken Jul 22, 2022 by William Coville (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 9, 2020 by lydia burton (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 18, 2019 by Mary Shipley (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 5, 2020 by karchopho (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 19, 2019 by jb duthoit (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Mar 29, 2022 by Maarten Vanhove (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 20, 2019 by Eli Small (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 6, 2021 by Ukiah Hawkins (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 23, 2004 by EOL − Steven J. Baskauf (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken May 23, 2004 by EOL − Steven J. Baskauf (cc-by-nc-sa)

Habit

Taken May 18, 2013 by EOL − Alison Forrestel (cc-by-nc)

Taken May 30, 2015 by EOL − mmkimberly (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jun 1, 2015 by EOL − Evan Raskin (cc-by-nc)

Taken Sep 8, 2015 by EOL − rfedders (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jun 9, 2015 by EOL − Sam Kieschnick (cc-by-nc)

Fruit

Taken Sep 10, 2021 by cscoq (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 6, 2021 by Ukiah Hawkins (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 23, 2004 by EOL − Steven J. Baskauf (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Sep 25, 2014 by EOL − Ron Edwards (cc-by-nc)

Other

Taken Sep 10, 2021 by cscoq (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 15, 2008 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Aug 9, 2008 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5384932)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:284624-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Saururus cernuus L.)

Specifications

Growth