Saururus cernuus Lizard's Tail

The scientific name is derived from the Greek words sauros meaning "lizard" and oura "tail", with cernuus making reference the drooping inflorescence. The highly fragranced drooping white flower spikes, following fertilisation turn brown, giving the appearance of a lizard's tail. The species is native to the south-eastern United States, where it grows in shallow marshes and along the edges of rivers and lakes. Rhizomes can extend up to three meters in length, forming dense wefts which are used to restore and create wetlands within its native range. The only record within our recording area was of a single well-established plant in Port Talbot Docks in 2024 (Peter Sturgess). Perhaps surprisingly, no other records are published by the BSBI of this widely available ornamental pond plant.