

How to identify Lizard's tail (Saururus cernuus)
Lizard's tail, also known as Water-dragon, Dragon's tail, American swamp lily
Lizard's tail is recognizable by its distinctive inflorescence, which curves much like a reptile's tail. The plant typically thrives in wet environments such as swamps and the shallows surrounding ponds. Its flowers are notable for their sassafras or citrus scent, and its leaves are vivid green. Lizard's tail can grow in water depths suitable for 2 to 5-gallon containers, around 6 to 15 inches (15 to 38 cm). It is a perennial that tends to spread, forming extensive colonies via seed dispersal or root division. The flowers' structure is especially prominent when seeking identification.
Curving inflorescence resembling a reptile's tail
Vivid green leaves with heart-shaped bases and palmate veins
Erect stem with zig-zag pattern, growing 2-3 feet (60-90 cm) tall
Long, narrow racemes of white, fragrant flowers, 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) long
Small, warty green fruit emerging in summer, persisting into late fall
The leaves of lizard's tail are bright green, measuring 3-6 inches (7.5-15 cm) in length. They are lance-shaped to triangular, featuring a distinctive heart-shaped base. The veins are palmately arranged, spreading outward from a single point at the base, creating a prominent, fan-like pattern. The leaf surfaces are smooth with a slightly glossy texture, making them visually striking. This unique combination of shape, size, and vein structure is key for identifying the leaves of this plant.
The flowers of lizard's tail form long, narrow racemes, typically opposite a leaf and ranging from 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) in length but can extend to 12 inches (30 cm). These spikes display drooping tips. The white flowers are small yet fragrant and visually noticeable. In North Carolina, these flowers bloom from May to September, adding a delicate scent to their surroundings. The spikes themselves are slender and elongated, enhancing the appeal of the bloom.
The stem of lizard's tail is erect with a distinctive zig-zag pattern. Generally green and smooth in texture, it stands firm and can grow to a height of 2 to 3 feet (60 to 90 cm). The stem is relatively slender with a diameter of about 0.2 to 0.3 inches (0.5 to 0.8 cm). Its branching pattern is irregular, adding to the unique appearance, and it often supports elongated leaves at each node, further emphasizing the zig-zag structure.
The fruit of lizard's tail is a small, globular structure bearing a distinctive green hue, reminiscent of a wart. Each fruit emerges in the summer and persists into the late fall, typically from August through November. Its surface is textured, contributing to its wart-like appearance. The fruit's diminutive size is noteworthy, attracting those intrigued by the natural peculiarities of native flora. As a reproductive structure, it is not merely an aesthetic element but plays a vital role in the propagation of lizard's tail.
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Scientific Classification of Lizard's tail