lizard's tail
Saururus cernuus
USDA zones3 to 9
SunHandles full sun to full shade
WaterHandles moist to wet soil
Size12 to 24 inches tall12 to 24 inches wide
- Growth rate
- Rapid
- Habit
- Herb
- Bloom season
- Spring, summer, autumn
- Bloom color
- White
- Foliage color
- Green
- Soil types
- Sand, loam, clay
- Soil pH
- Acid, alkaline, neutral
Garden uses
Attracts
Notes
Lizard's tail (Saururus cernuus) is a perennial for rain gardens, shade gardens, and ground cover. It is hardy to USDA zone 3, or down to -40°F (-40°C). This plant likes full sun to full shade and moist to wet, sandy, loamy, or clay soil. Slender, nodding white flower spikes look like a drooping tail, and crushed leaves smell like sassafras. Deer tend to pass it by.
Pairs well with Allegheny monkeyflower, American mountain mint, and Incrediball Blush smooth hydrangea.
Native range
Eastern North America.