Lizard's Tail

Lizard’s Tail (Saururus cernuus) has a hairy erect stem with few or no branches and can grow up to 4 feet tall. Leaves are lance shaped and arranged on the stem alternately. Flowers are borne on a long hairy stem, consisting of a spike of many small whitish flowers that forms an arching, tail-like shape. As the greenish seeds develop, the “tail” takes on a wrinkled appearance and hence the common name. Lizard’s tail has a distinctive orange-like smell. Lizard's Tail is commonly found in moist soils or very shallow water.

Management Options

Mechanical Options

Lizard’s tail can be cut and physically removed from the pond.

Information on Mechanical Treatment of Aquatic Vegetation

Biological Options

There are no biological control options for the treatment of lizard’s tail.

Chemical Options

The active ingredients that have been successful in treating lizard’s tail include: 2, 4-D (G), Diquat (G) and Glyphosphate (E). E = excellent, G = good

Information on Chemical Treatment of Aquatic Vegetation

Return to the emergent vegetation page