A standout native for wet, shady places, lizard's tail is an emergent freshwater plant with unmistakable charm. Its dangling flower spikes begin as subtle, drooping tassels that gradually unfurl skyward into fragrant white blooms. Tiny flowers open from the base up, giving the flowerhead a fuzzy appearance as it elongates above the foliage. Mature flower spikes reach 4 to 12 inches long and release a citrusy or sassafras-like scent. Even the glossy, heart- to arrow-shaped leaves are fragrant when touched.
This rhizomatous perennial thrives in consistently wet or moist soils and partial to full shade, but it tolerates sunnier sites with ample moisture. Though it grows 2 to 4 feet tall in the wild, it's usually shorter when grown in domestic gardens. Commonly found near swamps, ponds, bogs, and marshes, lizard’s tail is a great choice for rain gardens and restoration projects because its rhizomes grow thick and fibrous, helping to stabilize soil and prevent erosion. In addition to serving as a groundcover for moist, shady areas, it may also be grown in large containers. From seed, sow above the waterline to avoid rot—plants will naturally spread into wetter zones over time. Lizard's tail is happiest when its roots are submerged in water, and it can withstand occasional flooding. While widespread in coastal regions, it does not tolerate salty conditions.
 
Lizard's tail's flowers have UV guides to attract pollinators, especially beetles. The floral spikes act as dragon-fly landing platforms, and the large insects stir up a cloud of pollen that float to the receptive female parts of other flowers.  
 
Reddish, zig-zagging stems and dense, brown seedheads that resemble a lizard’s tail give this plant its memorable name. Another common name is "water dragon." The scientific name, Saurus cernnus, is derived from the Greek word sauros, meaning "lizard," and oura, meaning "a tail." The specific epithet means "drooping" or "nodding."
 
Plant Characteristics:
Grows 2-4' high and and 1-2' wide. Spreads by rhizomes (underground stems that grow horizontally and send up new shoots and roots) to form colonies.
 
Prefers part to full shade. Tolerates full sun with consistent moisture.
 
Prefers consistently moist to wet soils in which only the lower portion of the plant is submerged.
 
Spike-like raceme is 4-12" long with tiny, white flowers that give way to green, wart-like fruit capsules containing seeds that are dispersed by floating on water.
 
Deciduous, bright green leaves are 3-6" long and lance-shaped to triangular with a heart-shaped base. Deciduous foliage remains until the first frost.
 
Spreads by rhizomes to form colonies.
 
Reproductive system: flower contains both male and female parts (perfect/bisexual).  Female parts mature before male parts (protogyny), which discourages self-pollination and promotes cross-pollination for genetic diversity. Also reproduces vegetatively by rhizomes. 
Wildlife Value:Host plant for the buffalo ear moth (pictured here). Lizard’s tail produces both pollen and nectar, attracting mostly small pollinating insects. It is considered deer resistant due to toxic foliage (especially in large quantities). Dense colonies provide food and cover for wood ducks and other waterfowl, turtles, frogs, salamanders, crayfish, and small fish. Its structure creates a rich, protected habitat for shore birds and aquatic life. 
 
Medicinal, Edible, and Other Uses:
Native Americans and early settlers ground the rhizomes and used them as a sedative and to treat fevers and swelling/inflammation.
 
The foliage is mildly toxic and should not be eaten. 
 
Resources:
Clemson Cooperative Extension: https
://hgic.clemson.edu/lizards-tail/
 
Missouri Botanical Garden
: https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=a649
 
Treasure Coast Natives
: https://treasurecoastnatives.wordpress.com/2012/03/09/lizards-tail/#:~:text=The%20flowers%20are%20protogynous%20(=,good%E2%80%9D%20and%20is%20murdered%20summarily