Saururus cernuus
Sp. Pl. 1: 341. 1753.
Herbs, 15-120 cm, mostly pubescent when young, often glabrate, having rhizomes, often with adventitious roots. Leaves 4-25 cm; petiole 1-10 cm; blade ovate, 2-17 × 1-10 cm, base cordate, apex acuminate. Racemes nodding to erect, fragrant, narrow, 5-35 cm. Floral bracts green, boat-shaped, 1.5-3 mm (distinct portion), adnate to pedicel. Schizocarps brown, 1.5-3 mm, rugose. Seed brown, 1-1.3 × 0.7-1 mm, smooth. 2n = 22.
Phenology: Flowering spring–summer, sometimes early fall.
Habitat: Wet soil, fresh or slightly brackish water to depth of 5 dm
Elevation: 0-500 m
Distribution
Ont., Que., Ala., Ark., Conn., Del., Fla., Ga., Ill., Ind., Kans., Ky., La., Md., Mich., Miss., Mo., N.J., N.Y., N.C., Ohio, Okla., Pa., R.I., S.C., Tenn., Tex., Va., W.Va.
Discussion
Some American Indians used Saururus cernuus for medicinal purposes (D. E. Moerman 1986).
Selected References
None.
Lower Taxa
None.