Lizard's Tail

Saururus cernuus

Lizard's Tail is a perennial for edging, groundcover, suited to shade and partial shade and loam or moist ground, flowering Jun, Jul, Aug.

Where to use it in a border

At around 60 cm, it sits best along the front edge, where a low, spreading habit reads best. Give it about 60 cm of room to spread. It is hardy across USDA zones 4a to 9b, so check it suits your area before planting.

It appears in our lists of shade, wet soil, pollinator-friendly plants.

Border Builder uses Lizard's Tail's height, spread, soil, bloom months and companions to place it in a full border plan for your own conditions, on iPhone and iPad.

Flowering through the year

Worth knowing

• It copes with ground that stays wet, which most border plants will not.
• It tolerates a shaded, north-facing spot.
• Its flowers are valued by bees and other pollinators.

Good companions

Plants that share its conditions and style, chosen to complement its place in the border:

• Anise/Blue Sagefor height behind it
• Atamasco Rain Lilyto edge in front
• Blackthornfor height behind it
• Blue Mistflowerto edge in front
• Blue Wood Asterto edge in front
• Blue-Stem Goldenrodto flower when it does not

Garden styles

Native Wildlife garden Woodland