Yerba Mansa, Lizard Tail

At maturity, this species reaches approximately 6 to 12 inches tall, presenting Broad, arrow-shaped leaves; can grow up to 9 inches long along with Small, white flowers clustered on a spike; unique lizard tail-like appearance, followed by Produces small, seed-like fruit enclosed in a capsule. These features are supported by a reliable Rhizomatous root system; can spread and colonize areas, ensuring stability and sustained growth.

Native to Native to western North America (California, Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas), Yerba Mansa, Lizard Tail thrives in Marshy and wetland areas; often found in disturbed sites or along stream banks at elevations around Prefers low elevations; usually found below 6,500 feet. Best suited for USDA Hardiness Zone 7-11. Whether grown indoor, in a curated garden or a more natural setting, its ecological requirements help maintain its vigor over time.

You can use our free plant identify app PlantPlants to chose the best spot for Yerba Mansa, Lizard Tail, This plant prefers Full sun to partial shade and flourishes in Prefers wet, loamy, or sandy soils with a soil pH of about 6.0 to 8.0.

Yerba Mansa, Lizard Tail needs watering,Requires consistently moist soil, guided by PlantPlants app, You can get plants daily watering schedule. to maintain Wet soil; cannot tolerate drought conditions, ensure steady hydration. Applying water through Regular irrigation, ensuring roots do not dry out supports even distribution and helps prevent overwatering or dryness.

Yerba Mansa, Lizard Tail performs best within 5 F to 95 F. Its ideal growth occurs at around 70 F to 85 F, though it tolerates ranges from Can tolerate short periods below freezing; prefers moderate temperatures. Additionally, maintaining High humidity preferred encourages healthy foliage and overall plant vigor.

Feeding with Balanced, water-soluble fertilizer at the recommended Seasonal Application Frequency on PlantPlants App keeps nutrients balanced. Incorporating Organic compost to enhance soil nutrient content enhances soil structure and fertility, while staying alert to Yellowing leaves, stunted growth helps you adjust care as needed to maintain optimal plant health.

Regular attention ensures this plant’s beauty and longevity. Prune back in late fall or early spring for Trim back dead or unwanted foliage to encourage new growth tidies its appearance, while Recommended every 2-3 years if grown in containers may be necessary as it grows, requiring a Increase pot size by 1-2 inches when repotting increase and a fresh Rich organic mix with good drainage. for Staking or Support. Minimal; natural growth form does not require staking.

During Late fall to early spring, growth may slow and some Deciduous; dies back in winter can occur. For those looking to propagate, consider Division of rhizomes or by seed and provide Requires stratification; germinate in warm, moist conditions when starting from seed. If using cuttings, follow Take cuttings from established plants in spring; place in moist soil until roots form. to ensure successful rooting and healthy new plants.

our free plant identify and care app PlantPlants can help you diagnosisYerba Mansa, Lizard Tail problems.Though generally robust, keep watch for Aphids, spider mites and remain vigilant against Root rot in overly wet conditions. Implementing Maintain proper drainage; avoid overcrowding and applying Insecticidal soap for pests; improve drainage for root rot when issues arise will help sustain the plant thriving.

This plant pairs nicely with Other wetland plants; potential companions include cattails and sedges and shows May inhibit the growth of some competitive species, making it a flexible choice for various Used in naturalized settings, alongside water features, or in wetland restorations.

the Edible Parts: Leaves and rhizomes can be consumed. Toxicty of Yerba Mansa, Lizard Tail, Generally considered safe; however, ingestion in large quantities may cause nausea. learning about its Harvest leaves and rhizomes in spring or fall, Traditionally used as a herbal remedy or infusion, and Contains various phytochemicals beneficial for health can be intriguing for culinary explorers. Some traditions highlight its Used in traditional medicine for its anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties or note its Used by Native American tribes for various medicinal purposes.

With an Not currently evaluated (common in local habitats but conservation information may vary), proper Protect wetland habitats and responsible planting practices