Saururus: The Graceful Native That Loves Getting Its Feet Wet
If you’ve ever wondered what to plant in that persistently soggy spot in your yard, let me introduce you to Saururus, commonly known as Lizard’s Tail. This charming native perennial might just be the perfect solution for your water-loving garden dreams – and trust me, once you see those distinctive curved flower spikes, you’ll understand why it earned such a memorable name.
What Makes Saururus Special
Saururus is a true North American native, naturally occurring across an impressive range that spans from Canada down through most of the eastern United States. You’ll find this adaptable perennial thriving in states from Alabama to Wisconsin, and from Texas to Massachusetts, making it a fantastic choice for gardeners across a wide geographic area.
As a herbaceous perennial forb, Saururus doesn’t develop woody stems but instead dies back to the ground each winter, returning with fresh growth each spring. This growth habit makes it perfect for naturalistic plantings where you want that wild look without the maintenance headaches of managing woody plants.
A Plant That Knows How to Make an Entrance
The real showstopper with Saururus is its unique flowering display. Picture this: delicate white flower spikes that arch and curve like a lizard’s tail (hence the common name), creating an almost whimsical effect in the garden. These fragrant blooms typically appear in summer and have a distinctly sweet scent that adds another layer of appeal to your outdoor space.
The heart-shaped leaves provide a lovely backdrop for these striking flowers, and the plant tends to form colonies over time through underground rhizomes. This spreading habit means you’ll get more bang for your buck as your initial planting gradually fills in to create a lush groundcover effect.
Where Saururus Shines in Your Garden
This native gem is particularly well-suited for:
- Water gardens and pond margins
- Rain gardens and bioswales
- Native plant gardens
- Naturalistic landscape designs
- Areas with consistently moist or wet soil
If you’re working with a challenging wet area where other plants struggle, Saururus actually thrives in these conditions. It can tolerate standing water and loves having consistently moist feet, making it ideal for those spots where drainage is poor or seasonal flooding occurs.
Growing Saururus Successfully
The beauty of working with native plants like Saururus is that they’re generally much easier to grow than exotic species. Here’s what you need to know:
Hardiness: Saururus is quite cold-tolerant, thriving in USDA zones 4 through 9, which covers most of temperate North America.
Light Requirements: This adaptable plant performs well in both partial shade and full sun conditions, though it tends to appreciate some afternoon shade in hotter climates.
Soil and Water Needs: The key to success with Saururus is moisture – lots of it. This plant prefers wet to consistently moist soil and can even handle periodic flooding. If you have a naturally boggy area or a spot that stays damp after rain, this is your plant.
Planting and Care Tips
Getting started with Saururus is refreshingly straightforward:
- Plant in spring after the danger of hard frost has passed
- Space plants about 18-24 inches apart (they’ll fill in over time)
- Keep soil consistently moist – never let it dry out completely
- Apply a thin layer of mulch to help retain moisture
- Be patient – like many native perennials, it may take a season or two to become fully established
Once established, Saururus is remarkably low-maintenance. You can cut it back in late fall or early spring, and division every few years will help control spread if needed.
Supporting Local Wildlife
As a native plant, Saururus plays an important role in supporting local ecosystems. The flowers attract various pollinators including bees and flies, while the plant provides habitat for beneficial insects. Birds may also appreciate the cover that established colonies provide.
Is Saururus Right for Your Garden?
Saururus is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a unique, low-maintenance native that can handle challenging wet conditions. Its distinctive appearance and ecological benefits make it particularly valuable for gardeners interested in creating naturalistic landscapes or supporting native plant communities.
However, keep in mind that this plant does best with consistent moisture, so it’s not suitable for dry or drought-prone areas. Also, because it spreads via rhizomes, it’s better suited for naturalistic settings rather than formal garden beds where you want precise plant placement.
If you have a wet spot that’s been giving you trouble, or you’re simply looking to add a conversation-starter to your native plant collection, Saururus might just be the perfect addition to your garden palette. After all, how many plants can claim to have flowers that look like they belong in a fairy tale?
