Perennial
Lizard's Tail
Saururus cernuus
Varieties We Carry
StandardSaururus cernuus
Sizes & Pricing
4 inFrom$6.95
1 galFrom$9.95
Fresh this week. Last restocked Mar 11.
LightFull Sun, Part Shade
WaterHigh
Mature size2-4 feet × 2-3 feet, spreading by rhizomes
About Lizard's Tail
Lizard's Tail (Saururus cernuus) is a native North American aquatic and marginal perennial that grows in shallow water and wet soils along stream banks, pond edges, and wetlands. It produces heart-shaped, aromatic leaves and distinctive arching white flower spikes that droop at the tip, resembling a lizard's tail. A valuable native plant for rain gardens, bog gardens, and water features throughout the eastern United States. Starting at $6.95.
Plant details
- Bloom Season
- Spring, Summer
- Flower Color
- White
- Growth Rate
- Moderate
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Soil
- Loam, Acidic, Wet
Best planting months
Recommended forZone 9b · St. Augustine, FL
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This monthGood windowOther months
Seasonal care
Bloom season. New foliage emerges. Good planting window.
Bloom season. Higher water demand in summer heat.
Foliage may begin to change or drop. Ideal planting window.
Dormant — drops foliage.
Care essentials
Light
Grow in full sun to partial shade; Lizard's Tail is notably shade-tolerant compared to most aquatic plants, making it suitable for pond margins under tree canopy in NE Florida. Best flowering occurs with at least half-day sun.
Water
Requires consistently wet to saturated soil or shallow standing water (up to 6 inches deep); ideal for pond margins, rain gardens, and boggy sites in NE Florida. Do not allow the soil to dry out.
Soil & Fertilizer
Prefers rich, mucky, acidic, or loamy wet soil; tolerates clay. Fertilizer is generally unnecessary in natural wetland settings. In container or constructed rain garden use, a light slow-release fertilizer in spring supports vigorous growth. Spreads by rhizomes — divide clumps every 2–3 years to control spread.
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Common questions
Is Lizard's Tail a good plant for St. Augustine?
Lizard's Tail is a perennial for Zone 9b coastal Florida gardens, with low salt tolerance, reaching 2-4 feet × 2-3 feet, spreading by rhizomes.
Care information verified from
Last reviewed February 2026. Our care guidance comes from trusted horticulture sources and decades of helping St. Augustine gardeners. Conditions here can vary dramatically from one area to the next, so come ask us and we'll tailor it to your yard.