The Temperate Database is in the process of being updated, with new records being added and old ones being checked and brought up to date where necessary. This record has not yet been checked and updated.

Common Name: Swamp Lily

General Information

Saururus cernuus is a

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

, ,

Range

Eastern N. America - Rhode Island to Florida, west to Texas and Minnesota.

Habitat

Wet soil, fresh or slightly brackish water to depth of 50cm from sea level to 500 metres[].

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Habit	Perennial
Height	0.50 m

Cultivation Details

This is a plant for a boggy area of the garden, it is able to withstand temporary flooding[]. It prefers a loamy soil[] growing well in pond margins though it spreads vigorously[]. It can succeed in damp sites in the woodland as well as in the bog garden[]. Prefers a position in full sun but tolerates some shade[].
Plants are fairly cold tolerant, but are best given a protective mulch in the winter[].
The flowers are fragrant[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

Sedative[].
An infusion of the roots has been used as a wash in the treatment of rheumatism[]. The root is roasted then mashed and made into a poultice to treat sore breasts[, , ]. A boiled extract of the roots is used as a poultice to heal flesh wounds[].
The dried leaves can be made into a tea and drunk for the treatment of back and breast pains[], it is also used in treating stomach ailments[].

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed - best sown in a cold frame as soon as it is ripe in early autumn. Sow stored seed in late winter or early spring. Keep the pots moist by standing them in shallow water[]. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and plant them out in the summer.
Division in spring[, ]. The plants spread freely and division is possible at almost any time in the growing season. Divisions taken in mid to late summer should be overwintered in pots in a cold frame and then be planted out in late spring. Regular division maintains the vigour of the plant[].