Lizard's Tail
Saururus cernuus
- Native to:
- Canada, Mexico, United States
Fritzflohrreynolds
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Saururaceae
- Genus:
- Saururus
- Species:
- Saururus cernuus
- USDA Symbol:
- SACE
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb
- Height:
- 120 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Part Shade,Shade
- Drought Tolerance:
- Low
- Bloom Months:
- jun,jul,aug,sep
- Bloom Colors:
- white
Wildlife Benefits
- Butterflies & Moths:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
- Caterpillars:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Parapamea buffaloensis
Reported Fauna Sightings
Bees: ⚠️Western honey bee (Apis mellifera)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- butterflies, birds, small mammals
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
- Fragrant:
- Yes
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- rich, moist, organic soil
- pH:
- 5.5 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- tolerates poor drainage
- Moisture:
- consistently moist
- Notes:
- commonly found in wetlands and marshes
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 60–90 days
- Germination Time:
- 14–30 days
- Notes:
- Seeds require moist to wet conditions and light for optimal germination. Best sown on wet soil surface.
The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI
Pre-treatment: Seeds are stored cold and dry in sealed, airtight plastic bags in a refrigerator at 35°F. Four weeks prior to seeding, seeds are removed from cold storage and soaked in water for 2 weeks. Seeds are then mixed with damp, sterile sand, at a ratio of 1 part seed to 5 parts sand by volume, and subjected to cold, moist stratification (refrigeration at 35 to 40°F) for 2 weeks.
Establishment: Lizard's tail is commonly found in freshwater wetlands throughout much of the eastern US. It serves as habitat for juvenile smallmouth bass, and as a food source for herons and ducks. The plant also has ornamental appeal when in flower.
Source: npn.rngr.net