Blog and photos by Besa Schweitzer
Webmaster, Wild Ones – St. Louis Chapter
Lizard’s tail (Saururus cernuus)
Plant name:
Lizard’s tail (Saururus cernuus)
Description:
This plant is found in rain gardens and ponds. Lizard’s tail colonizes wet soil. It gets it’s name from the white drooping flower stalk you can find June through September. It’s arrow-shaped leaves grow on stems that can grow to two feet tall.
Why I chose this plant:
I like the way the plant smells. It has a licorice scent when you break a leaf or disturb the soil, which is a nice break from the anaerobic smells you usually get when messing around with pond plants.
Lizard’s tail (Saururus cernuus)
Visitors:
Lizard’s tail attracts small insects like bees, flies, and beetles.
Environment:
This plant likes moist conditions in full to partial sun – pond edges, water gardens, rain gardens. I suggest growing it in a container in your pond to prevent escape.
References:
Missouri Botanical Garden
Missouri Plants
Where to purchase:
Missouri Wildflower Nursery
