Swamp Lily, Lizard's Tail
Saururus cernuus
Family: Saururaceae
What it is like
Saururus cernuus is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.5 m (1ft 8in) by 0.3 m (1ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5. It is in flower from July to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers wet soil and can grow in water.
Height (m): 0.5
Where it is found
Wet soil, fresh or slightly brackish water to depth of 50cm from sea level to 500 metres.
Eastern N. America - Rhode Island to Florida, west to Texas and Minnesota.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 0
Medicine
Rating: 1
Sedative. An infusion of the roots has been used as a wash in the treatment of rheumatism. The root is roasted then mashed and made into a poultice to treat sore breasts. A boiled extract of the roots is used as a poultice to heal flesh wounds. The dried leaves can be made into a tea and drunk for the treatment of back and breast pains, it is also used in treating stomach ailments.
Antirheumatic: Treats rheumatism.
Poultice: A moist, usually warm or hot, mass of plant material applied to the skin in the treatment of burns etc.
Sedative: Gently calms, reducing nervousness, distress and irritation.
Stomachic: Aids and improves the action of the stomach.
Other
Rating: 0
Scented Plants: Plants noted for their scent
How it is grown
This is a plant for a boggy area of the garden, it is able to withstand temporary flooding. It prefers a loamy soil growing well in pond margins though it spreads vigorously. It can succeed in damp sites in the woodland as well as in the bog garden. Prefers a position in full sun but tolerates some shade. Plants are fairly cold tolerant, but are best given a protective mulch in the winter. The flowers are fragrant.
Propagating it: Seed - best sown in a cold frame as soon as it is ripe in early autumn. Sow stored seed in late winter or early spring. Keep the pots moist by standing them in shallow water. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and plant them out in the summer. Division in spring. The plants spread freely and division is possible at almost any time in the growing season. Divisions taken in mid to late summer should be overwintered in pots in a cold frame and then be planted out in late spring. Regular division maintains the vigour of the plant.
Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; Pond; Bog Garden;
Habit: Perennial
Hardiness: 4-8
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Wet, water