Lizard's Tail
saururus cernuus
Also known as: ["Water Dragon","Saururus"]
Overview
A perennial herbaceous plant native to eastern North America, known for its heart-shaped leaves and fragrant, spike-like flowers that curve like a lizard's tail.
Benefits & Perks
["fragrant flowers","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","shade tolerant"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Piperales |
| Family: | Saururaceae |
| Genus: | Saururus |
| Botanical Name: | Saururus cernuus |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Herbs & Weeds
- Suitable Location: bog garden, pond edge, or container with constant moisture
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"10–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"6–9"}
- Misting: every 2–3 days to maintain high humidity
- Drainage: Well-draining but moisture-retentive.
- Soil Type: Rich, peat-based potting mix with good organic matter and drainage.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: As needed, typically every 1–2 months during growing season.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light for 6–8 hours daily. Can tolerate partial shade, especially in warmer months.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to brighter light to prevent scorching. In hot climates, provide afternoon shade. Indoors, place near an east or north-facing window.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderateeasy
Sunlight
partial shade to full shade
Avoid direct sun; rotate plant for even growth; adjust light based on season.
Watering
every 3–5 days, keeping soil consistently moist
Maintain even moisture; avoid waterlogging; ensure good drainage.
Soil
moist, rich, loamy soil with good organic content
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 5.5–7.0).
Use a mix that retains moisture but doesn't stay soggy; avoid heavy clay soils; ensure good aeration.
Temperature
Prefers 65–75°F (18–24°C). Tolerates 50–85°F (10–29°C) but thrives in moderate warmth.
Avoid sudden temperature changes; maintain stable conditions; protect from drafts.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during growing season with balanced liquid fertilizer
Dilute fertilizer to prevent burn; fertilize during active growth; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings in water or moist soil.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take a 4–6 inch cutting with at least one node.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Place in water or moist medium.
- Keep warm and humid.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm, humid environment with indirect light.
Medium
Peat-based potting mix with perlite or sand for drainage.
Hormone
Optional, but can help speed up rooting.
Timeline
Roots typically form in 2–4 weeks; new growth may take 1–2 months.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone (optional), small pots or jars, misting spray bottle.
Quick Tips
Use clean tools; maintain humidity; change water regularly if using water propagation.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Trim back leggy stems and remove yellowed or damaged leaves. Pinch tips to encourage branching.
Pruning Plan
Light pruning to maintain shape and remove dead or yellowing foliage. Encourages bushier growth and prevents disease.
Tools
Clean pruning shears or scissors.
Checklist
Use clean tools; remove dead/damaged foliage; trim to desired shape; dispose of clippings properly.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Spring, before active growth begins.
Pot Size
One size up from current pot (e.g., +2 inches in diameter).
Method
Remove plant gently, trim any circling roots, place in a slightly larger pot with fresh soil, water thoroughly, and place in indirect light.
Suggestions
Repot every 1–2 years or when roots fill the pot. Benefits from fresh soil and room to grow.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot size; prepare fresh soil mix; handle roots gently; water after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture daily; water when top inch feels slightly dry; ensure drainage holes are clear.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water thoroughly until water drains from the bottom, ensuring even saturation of the root zone. Allow excess water to drain away completely. Water in the morning to allow foliage to dry.
Watering Schedule Tips
Keep soil consistently moist, especially during active growth (spring/summer). Reduce watering slightly in winter but do not let soil dry out completely.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or sand for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; ensure soil is loose and airy.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Yellowing leaves (cold stress), wilting or browning leaf edges (heat stress), stunted growth.
Cold Stress
Slows growth, causes leaf yellowing, and may lead to root rot if soil remains cold and wet.
Solution: Move to a warmer location, ensure soil is not waterlogged, and protect from drafts.
Hot Stress
Leaves may wilt, curl, or develop brown edges; growth may slow.
Solution: Increase humidity, provide shade during peak heat, and ensure adequate watering.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use diluted fertilizer; apply during growing season; avoid winter feeding.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer. Reduce or stop fertilizing in fall and winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicSaururus cernuus is not known to be toxic to cats. There are no documented cases of adverse effects in felines after exposure to this plant.
⚡ Toxic If:
None
Dogs
Non-toxicSaururus cernuus is not known to be toxic to dogs. There are no documented cases of adverse effects in canines after exposure to this plant.
⚡ Toxic If:
None
Humans
Non-toxicSaururus cernuus is not known to exhibit toxic effects in humans under normal conditions. The plant is generally considered safe for handling and consumption.
⚡ Toxic If:
None
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I propagate Saururus cernuus?
A: It can be propagated by division in early spring or by seeds in late summer.
Q: Does Lizard's Tail require full sun?
A: It prefers partial shade to full shade and thrives in moist, boggy conditions.
Q: Is Lizard's Tail invasive?
A: It is not considered invasive in most regions but can spread moderately in ideal conditions.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Saururaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | partial shade to full shade |
| Water: | every 3–5 days, keeping soil |
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