Planting and Growing the Lizard's Tail Plant

Also known as the breast weed, the lizard's tail is a member of the Saururaceae family of plants. It is native to the United States and is botanically listed as Saururus cernuus.

Lizard's Tail Description

This perennial grows to four feet tall. It is a hairy plant, with slender flower spikes and lance-like leaves. Flowers are white, tiny, and nodding. Leaves are opposite a flower. Flower spikes are solitary and tapering, with a drooping tip that makes it look like a lizard's tail. Bloom season is between April and August.

Growing Guide

The lizard's tail prefers to grow in partial shade and full shade conditions with a moist or wet soil. It is an aquatic plant. Propagate by root division for the best results.

Distribution

This native is found in Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Michigan, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and West Virginia. It is seen in streams, lake edges, and wet lowlands.

Warning

This can be toxic to animals when overeaten and may make humans sick if ingested. Some foraging of the shoots and leaves are fine, but overeating can be toxic.

Herbal Remedy

This was once an inflammation remedy and put to the breast and other areas. This is how it got its common name of breast weed.

Name

The name of this plant comes from the Greek words 'sauros', meaning lizard, and 'oura', meaning tail. This is for the drooping nature of the flower spike and its resemblance to a white lizard's tail.

Source: NPIN