Plant of the Month: Lizard's tail

chase.bergeson • July 31, 2024

Lizard's tail (Saururus cernuus)

By: Bryce Carelton

Saururus cernuus, often called “Lizard’s tail”, is a common herbaceous perennial found at our wetlands monitoring sites and other wetland areas in eastern-to-central North America. They are a native species to this part of the world, and grow primarily in wet or saturated soils, even in shallow waters. As such, it is as an obligate wetland plant in the Mountains, Piedmont, and Coastal Plain. If you find it, you are likely in a wetland!


A perennial plant, after its blooming season, the Lizard’s tail will die back, but the roots remain alive until the next growing/blooming season when it grows back out and blooms. 


The Lizard’s tail got its common name from the very distinct droopy, white shape of the flowers that bloom during the summer months, almost resembling a lizard’s tail. The plant can grow up 0.5 -1 meter tall and the cone, or “tail”, can grow to about 3-6 inches long. They typically grow in dense patches, and often can sprout multiple stalks from one set of roots called rhizomes. In the fall, the plant fruits, and the seeds can straighten out. 

Flower

Phto credit: mefisher

Fruit


The Lizard’s tail has entire, heart-shaped (cordate) leaves that alternate along a zigzag stem. Pickerelweed (Pontederia cordata) has similar, but unpointed leaves.



Lizard's tail leaves on zigzag stem

Photo credit: Kent Ozment

Pickerelweed leaves

Photo By: claudius2002


Lizard’s tail is a known food source for beavers and possibly some beetles; where there are beavers, you can often find Saururus cernuus nearby. The Lizard’s tail plant is also often utilized in efforts to restore or create wetlands. Native Americans have used them in medicines to reduce inflammation/swelling. 



For more plant resources check out the following resources. 


Common Wetland Plants of North Carolina  



Useful keys through the herbarium 


Plant key and more information about plant parts and leaf characteristics 


Don't forget to check out our our iNaturalist page to see all the plants we've found so far!

You might also like

Carolina Bays: Unique Wetlands of the Carolinas

By rick.savage • March 14, 2026
Importance of Carolina Bays

Winter’s Quiet Prepares Carolina Wetlands for Spring’s Awakening

By rick.savage • February 15, 2026
Even during the cold weather we have been experiencing this winter, wetlands are quietly at work. Beneath the surface, wetland soils remain biologically active, and plants store energy in their roots. Wetlands provide refuge and are among the first parts of the landscape to signal seasonal renewal.  Early Voices of Spring: Amphibians on the Move As daylight increases and temperatures rise, one of spring’s most joyful heralds is the sound of amphibians awakening from winter slumber. In ephemeral ponds and forested swamps, the spring peeper ( Pseudacris crucifer ) announces the season with its whistle-like call. Though tiny, their choruses can carry across the land. Spotted salamanders ( Ambystoma maculatum ) and marbled salamanders ( Ambystoma opacum ) also migrate on warm, rainy nights to breed in fish-free seasonal pools.

Celebrating World Wetlands Day by learning about Wetland Importance

By kim.matthews • February 1, 2026
On February 2, wetland lovers across the globe come together to recognize World Wetlands Day. As we raise awareness of rapid loss and ongoing damage to wetlands, we also shine light on the dedicated teams and individuals working to conserve, protect, and share knowledge about these vital ecosystems. By supporting wetlands within our communities, we help ensure they continue to support life for generations to come.