Waterparsley

Waterparsley is a common name used for multiple aquatic and semi-aquatic plants, rather than a single species. In field guides and horticultural contexts it often refers to members of the Apiaceae (the carrot family) that have parsley-like foliage and wetland habits. Species cited under this name include members of the genera Sium (water parsnips) and Oenanthe (water dropworts), among others; regional usage varies and different species may be called waterparsley in different places.

Description: Waterparsley plants typically have slender, upright stems and finely divided leaves that resemble parsley or dill. The flowers are small and usually white or pale green, arranged in umbrella-like inflorescences called umbels, a hallmark of Apiaceae.

Habitat and distribution: They are native to temperate regions of Europe, Asia, and North America and are commonly found along marsh edges, stream banks, ponds, and other consistently moist sites. Some species have been introduced as ornamentals and can escape cultivation.

Ecology and cultivation: Waterparsley can provide pond margins with texture and habitat for aquatic invertebrates. In garden ponds, they prefer full sun to partial shade and moist, rich soils. Propagation occurs by seed or division of clumps.

Safety and notes: Because Apiaceae include several toxic species, correct identification is important. No waterparsley species should be consumed without reliable identification. Some related plants are highly poisonous, so handling should avoid ingestion.