Lizard's-tail
Saururus cernuus
Last reviewed: June 2026
Saururus cernuus (Lizard's-tail) is a native wetland perennial found across eastern and central United States. This moisture-loving plant produces distinctive white flower spikes from June through August.
Light
part shade
Water
high
Size
12"–36" H × 12"–24" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul, Aug
Native to
AL, AR, DE, FL and 24 more states
Pollinators
bees, beetles
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Lizard's-tail is a native perennial that thrives in moist, shady conditions with distinctive white, curved flower spikes that bloom through summer. This clumping plant produces heart-shaped leaves and works well in rain gardens or consistently wet areas where many other plants struggle.
Growing Lizard's-tail
Grow Lizard's-tail in part shade and high water. Mature plants reach 12 to 36 inches tall and spread 12 to 24 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Lizard's-tail takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Requires consistently wet soil that's unusual in typical landscaping
- Informal wetland appearance may look out of place in manicured settings
- Can spread aggressively in ideal conditions
Wildlife value
The summer flowers attract native bees and beetles with their accessible nectar and pollen. The plant also provides habitat for moisture-loving insects in its preferred wetland settings.
Common questions
- Where does Lizard's-tail grow naturally?
- Saururus cernuus is native to wetland areas across 30 states, from Maine south to Florida and west to Texas, Kansas, and Wisconsin.
- When does Lizard's-tail bloom?
- Lizard's-tail produces its characteristic drooping white flower spikes from June through August, providing summer nectar for pollinators.
- What pollinators visit Lizard's-tail?
- Bees and beetles are the primary pollinators attracted to the small white flowers arranged in the plant's distinctive curved spike inflorescence.
- What growing conditions does Lizard's-tail prefer?
- This native wetland plant thrives in consistently moist to wet soils and tolerates partial sun to full shade conditions, making it ideal for bog gardens and pond edges.
- Is Lizard's-tail HOA-friendly?
- Lizard's-tail takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow Lizard's-tail? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
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