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Lizard's Tail

Saururus cernuus

Also known as:
Swamp Lily, Mouse's Ear
Family:
Saururaceae
Origin:
North America

General description

Perennial, freshwater, emergent, aquatic herb. Leaves are arrowhead- or heart-shaped. Flowers are white and borne in spikes arching above foliage. Nutlets are borne in string and resemble a lizard’s tail.

What you need to know

To help protect our environment:

  • You must not breed, distribute, release or sell lizard's tail within the Auckland region.
  • You must not plant lizard's tail within the Auckland region, unless you are transferring an existing plant on your land to another location within the boundaries of the same property.
  • You must destroy any lizard's tail on land that you occupy if it has been planted in breach of the above rules and you are directed to do so by an authorised person.

Habitats

Wetlands, marshes, swamps streams, lake margins.

Dispersal

Vegetative spread from rhizomes, stem fragments, dispersed by water movement.

Impact on environment

Dominates herb layer in wetlands, marshes, swamps, streams and lake edges. Potential to shade out submerged species.

Control

Site Management

Follow up treated areas 3 times per year.

Recommended approaches

Physical control

Method: Dig out

Plant parts requiring disposal: All parts

Disposal options: Remove to greenwaste or landfill if practical

Biocontrol

Biocontrol is currently not available for this species.

Community agrichemical control recommendations

Certified Handler/Experienced agrichemical user
Foliar spray with 100ml glyphosate green per 10L of water

CAUTION: When using any herbicide or pesticide please read the label thoroughly to ensure that all instructions and safety requirements are followed.

Search tags

RPMP status


Whole region (Sustained Control)
Hauraki Gulf Controlled Area Notice pest
Lizard's tail - Main species image

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