Lizard's tail
Saururus cernuus
Family: Saururaceae
Natural History
Leaves and inflorescence of lizard's tail
Photo credit: SFRC, University of Florida
Lizard's tail, also called water-dragon, is named for the long, slender, arching floral spikes that mature into clusters of brown capsules and resemble the tail of a lizard.
The plants reproduce by runners and often grow in clumps or thick stands. They commonly form colonies that may be found in a variety of aquatic systems due to a wide tolerance of pH levels.
Alkaloids contained within the plant may be extracted for medicinal purposes.
Lizard's tail is native to much of the eastern United States. It has a wide distribution from southern Canada, Michigan, and Minnesota to as far south as central Florida.