Saururus Cernuus (Lizard's Tail)

Saururus cernuus – Unique Heartleaf Emerged Plant for Aquariums & Paludariums

Saururus cernuus, commonly known as Lizard’s Tail, is a versatile and visually striking aquatic plant native to North America. Known for its distinctive heart-shaped leaves and elegant upright growth, this plant thrives in high-humidity environments and shallow water conditions, making it an excellent choice for paludariums, ripariums, Wabi-Kusa setups, and transitional zones in aquariums.

This plant is typically offered in its emersed form, allowing it to adapt quickly to a variety of semi-aquatic and marginal aquatic environments. Its foliage can develop a rich, bright green color with a graceful arching habit, and in emersed conditions, it may even produce delicate white flower spikes resembling a lizard’s tail.

🌿 Key Features:

• Scientific Name: Saururus cernuus

• Common Names: Lizard’s Tail, Heartleaf

• Leaf Shape: Heart-shaped, bright green, lush foliage

• Growth Form: Upright stem plant with arching stems and broad leaves

• Light Requirement: Low to medium

• CO₂ Requirement: Not required

• Temperature Range: 60–82°F (16–28°C)

• Water Parameters: pH 6.0–7.5; soft to moderate hardness

• Growth Rate: Medium to fast

• Placement: Ideal for emersed sections in paludariums, ripariums, and marginal aquarium zones

🧪 Optimal Growing Conditions:

• Lighting: Thrives under low to moderate light; high humidity enhances leaf health

• Temperature: Best between 68–78°F for vigorous growth

• Substrate: Can grow in wet soil or rooted in rockwool; prefers nutrient-rich base

• Water Depth: Shallow or marginal; thrives in transitional wet zones

• Fertilization: General liquid or substrate fertilization helps support lush foliage

💡 Aquascaping Benefits:

• Emersed Appeal: Perfect for paludariums, rimless tanks, and shallow water displays

• Architectural Form: Adds height, structure, and soft movement to aquascapes

• Natural Accent: Pairs beautifully with mosses, ferns, and hardscape

• Seasonal Bloomer: May produce fragrant, white tail-like flowers in emersed setups

🌱 Propagation & Growth:

• Growth Speed: Moderate to fast

• Propagation Method: Via stem cuttings or underground rhizome division

• Nutrient Substrate: Not Required

• Can Be Grown Emersed: Yes – optimal in emersed form

📦 What You’ll Receive:

Available in three convenient planting formats to suit your aquatic or semi-aquatic design:

• Fresh-Cut Plants: Approx. 3–4 loose, fresh-cut stems without roots

• Bunched Plants: Approx. 3–4 fresh-cut stems bundled with plant weight for easy placement

• Potted Plants: Approx. 3–4 fresh-cut stems potted in rockwool within a net pot

⚠️ State Restrictions Notice ♻️ Be a Responsible Aquatic Plants Owner

Please do not release Saururus or any aquatic plant into natural waterways. Always dispose of trimmings responsibly. While not restricted in the U.S., always follow local guidelines.

🔒 Disclaimer:

Photos shown are sample representations only. Plants may arrive in emersed form and adapt once planted. We do not guarantee plants are free from pests or pesticides unless otherwise specified.