Seasonal Wild Flowers

Latin name

Saururus cernuus

Other names

Swamp-lily, Dragon’s-tail, Water Dragon

Family

Saururaceae

Flowering season

June to August

English distribution

Very sparse in the wild

For a map see the Botanical Society of Britain and Ireland –

Lizard’s-tail

Habitat

It is a neophyte which was introduced from the US or

Canada.

In the UK it is marginal pond plant growing in shallow

water.

It can be invasive if not managed.

It is abundant in the US where it has it has been used

medicinally and in conservation of wetlands

(see Wikipedia reference).

Description

Lizard’s-tail is a perennial, aquatic herb growing up to 1m.

Flowers are small and fragrant,forming a curved spike up

to 15cm.

Flowers have 6 white stamens and up to 3 carpels.

The white spikes turn darker during the season, resembling

lizards.

Leaves are dark green, cordate and on long stalks.

It's dense rhizomes which make it difficult for

other plants to compete.