Saururus cernuus, also known as Mouse Ear or Lizard’s Tail, is a marginal aquatic plant native to North America. It features soft, heart-shaped leaves and creeping stems, making it a standout addition in paludariums, ripariums, or shallow tanks with emersed zones.
When grown emersed, this plant may produce graceful, fragrant white flower spikes that resemble a lizard’s tail, giving it its common name. Though it can survive submerged for some time, it thrives best when allowed to grow above the water’s surface, where its foliage becomes denser and more decorative.
Because of its natural creeping habit, Saururus cernuus is excellent for softening hardscape edges or trailing from planter margins. It’s low maintenance and adaptable to a range of freshwater conditions.
Key Features
- Distinctive Look: Heart-shaped leaves and trailing growth add natural appeal
- Flowering Potential: Produces white, tail-like flowers when grown emersed
- Versatile Use: Ideal for paludariums, ripariums, terrariums, and shallow tanks
- Easy to Grow: Low maintenance; thrives in nutrient-rich, wet conditions
- Native Species: Found across the eastern United States in wetland habitats
Care Instructions
- Lighting: Moderate to high; brighter light encourages bushier, denser growth
- CO₂: Not required
- Substrate: Grows best in rich, wet substrate or partially submerged setups
- Placement: Marginal zones, paludariums, ripariums, or shallow aquarium edges
- Temperature: 18–28°C
- pH: 6.0–7.5
- Hardness: Adaptable to soft or moderately hard water
- Growth Habit: Creeping and spreading; trim to control shape
- Propagation: Easily propagated via stem cuttings or root division
- Tank Compatibility: Suitable for peaceful setups; best in tanks with exposed land or emersed growth areas
