[2] Saururus cernuus is a herbaceous perennial that gets its most frequent common name, lizard's tail, from its white flowers that bloom in the summer months.

[3] After floral maturity the white flowers turn brown, giving the plant its namesake, lizard's tail.

[3][2] As an aquatic plant, S. cernuus is an important food source for many wetland animals, including beavers.

[2] Cherokee and Chocktaw Native Americans mashed up S. cernuus roots as a poultice, and applied the plant to soothe inflammation of the breasts and back.

[11] Due to formation of dense rhizomes, lizard's tail can be very competitive for below-ground resources.

[12] Saururus cernuus L. is distributed throughout Southeastern United States, normally within marshes, along the edges of streams or lakes.

[14] Saururus cernuus can thrive in saturated soil, and can also tolerate shading by larger trees.

[6] Lizard's tail rhizomes were ground and used as a sedative, to treat swelling and inflammation, and to lower fevers.

[18] Herbivores such as the North American beaver (Castor canadensis) have had a strong impact on aquatic plants.