Lizard's Tail

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Lizard's tail (Saururus cernuus) is a common wetland plant that sometimes invades shallow shoreline areas around ponds and lakes. It grows into small colonies from underground runners and typically reaches 1 to 2 feet in height. It has a distinctive "bottlebrush" spike of white flowers that is usually 6 to 8 inches long, with a curl or arch midway up the spike. After maturity, the flowers become a string of dry nutlets that resemble a lizard's tail. The leaves are medium sized, about 1 inch wide, and 3 to 4 inches long. They are usually heart-shaped, positioned on stalks, and are arranged alternately on the stem. The leaf stalks form wraparound clasps where they attach to the stem.

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You can have relatively good control with either of the treatments listed on the treatments page. Read and follow label instructions before using any chemical in water.

Special care was taken to make certain that all herbicide treatments are registered with the Environmental Protection Agency for use in the manner described. Registrations of specific practices are often changed or deleted; therefore, treatments suggested in this information sheet may not remain current indefinitely. Read and observe the manufacturer's label to prevent misuse of a herbicide. It is not intended or proposed that usage of any given practice suggested in this information sheet be in violation with existing registration or manufacturer's label.

If you fail to carefully read and follow suggested treatments, you could cause extensive damage to the environment, crops, livestock or humans.