No images found for this plant ID: 40061.
Ensure images are uploaded to the Media Library and tagged with "40061" in the "plant_image_tag" taxonomy.
saururus
Scientific Name: Saururus
Family: Saururaceae
Category: Dicot
Growth:
Duration:
Other Names:
Lizard's Tail (Saururus cernuus)
Saururus cernuus, commonly known as Lizard's Tail, is a captivating plant with a unique appearance and interesting ecological role. This herbaceous perennial thrives in wet environments and has a history of both ornamental and medicinal uses.
Considerations for Pets
- Grows from underground runners.
Considerations for Children
- Grows from underground runners.
Nomenclature and Taxonomy
- Scientific Name: Saururus cernuus L.
- Common Names: Lizard's Tail, American Swamp Lily, Lizard
- Family: Saururaceae (Lizard's Tail family)
- Kingdom: Plantae
- Synonyms: Saururus lucidus Donn, Mattuschkia aquatica Gmelin
Distribution and Habitat
- Native to eastern North America, particularly the southeastern United States.
- Found in wet areas, shallow water, marshes, along the edges of ponds, and swamps.
- Adventive distribution: Introduced into Europe.
Morphology and Growth
- Herbaceous perennial that typically grows to a height of 1 to 3 feet (approximately 0.3 to 1 meter), although some sources mention it can reach up to 5 feet.
- Erect or semi-erect growth habit.
- Spreads through underground runners, forming small colonies.
- Features long-stalked, ovate leaves that are heart-shaped at the base.
- Produces small, fragrant, white flowers arranged in a drooping, tail-like spike.
- Flowers bloom from July to August.
- Grows from a fleshy rhizome.
Ecological Role
- Can be considered invasive in certain regions.
- Low preference food for omnivorous crayfish.
Traditional and Medicinal Uses
- Some American Indian tribes utilized Saururus cernuus for medicinal purposes.
- Saururus chinensis, a related species, has been used in traditional herbalism and Korean traditional medicine.
Quirky Facts
- Both the common name and the scientific genus name refer to the lizard-like shape of the drooping flower head.
- Saururus cernuus is an endangered plant in Connecticut.
Further Information
- ITIS (Integrated Taxonomic Information System): Saururus cernuus L. (TSN 18221)
- Discover Life: Biology, natural history, ecology, identification and distribution of Saururus cernuus
- UF/IFAS Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants: Aquatic and Invasive Plant Identification Series