Stem. - Jointed, often tall. Leaves. - Alternate, heart-shaped. Flowers. - White, without calyx or corolla, crowded into a slender, wand-like terminal spike which nods at the end. Stamens. - Usually six or seven. Pistils. - Three or four, united at their base.

The nodding, fragrant spikes of the lizard's tail abound in certain swamps from June till August. While the plant is not a common one, it is occasionally found in great profusion, and is sure to arrest attention by its odd appearance.