One of the most amazingly stunning North American native plants we’ve ever had the pleasure to introduce is Saururus cernus ‘Hertford Streaker’. Below is it in the nursery this week. This perennial is found in swampy bogs from Canada south to Texas. In smaller and more intricate gardens, it’s probably not appropriate since it is an aggressive spreader, although in a confined container, it’s a real gem. Years ago, we were thrilled to receive this much more controlled, variegated form, from our friend, local naturalist Jesse Perry, who discovered it Hertford, NC. After several years of trials, we subsequently introduced in 2014.
It’s right at home in slightly moist soils to wet soils, where it interweaves with other moist soil lovers like hosta and moisture-tolerant ferns. The 2′ tall stalks of new foliage emerge creamy white, with a central green pattern. Because of the reduction in leaf chlorophyll, full sun can result in a small bit of leaf scorch. In mid-June (NC), the stalks are topped with white antennae-like flower spikes. We think this would be great in commercial rain garden, or other similar installations.
