This week we are highlighting the lizard’s tail (Saururus cernuus). This perennial wildflower gets its unique name from its long, floral racemes which resemble a lizard’s tail! Its range extends throughout most of Florida and the eastern United States.

Typically, lizard’s tail is found in shallow wetlands, marshes, swamps, and wet forests. It can grow in part to full sun and prefers moist to wet soils. Unfortunately, it is not considered a salt tolerant plant, so they are best planted in habitats that don’t receive regular salt spray or inundation.

Lizard’s tail starts to bloom in early spring, through the summer. Its small white flowers grow in showy clusters on the top of the plant. When planted in a large group it will form a particularly stunning and fragrant floral display!

These wildflowers can get 2-3 feet tall with a ~1 foot spread and spread through underground runners. If given the time, they can fill out a garden area. Although considered evergreen in Florida, their growth tends to slow down in the winter time and they can look a bit sparse. However, in spring they will flush out with new leaf growth. The leaves are heart-shaped, and when crushed produce a sassafras like scent!

It’s no surprise that the fragrant, showy blooms of lizard’s tail attract a variety of pollinator species. Typical pollinators include a range of both native butterflies, such as the mangrove skipper, gulf fritillary, and white peacock, and native bees. They are also eaten by wood ducks, and other foraging birds.

For more information:

Florida Wildflower Foundation:

Florida Native Plant Society: