How to Grow and Care for Water dropworts

Water Parsley (Oenanthe sarmentosa) is a flowering semiaquatic perennial plant with a celery-like scent. Native to western North America, it is commonly found growing in wet areas and stream banks. It blooms from spring to summer with clusters of tiny white flowers. It is in the carrot family, with similar foliage.

Water dropwort, or Oenanthe crocata, resembles a celery plant, with large, carrot-like white roots. However, this plant is extremely poisonous to people and animals. One root has enough toxin to kill a cow. It grows in wet, swampy areas.

Java waterdropwort (Oenanthe javanica) is known by many names including water celery, Chinese celery, Indian pennywort, and others. It is cultivated for consumption in many Asian dishes. It grows native across tropical and temperate regions of Asia and Australia. Java waterdropwort grows in moist areas along streams and lakes. One variety, known as flamingo, develops pink edges on its leaves.

Few-flowered water celery is a floriferous aquatic plant featuring lush, pinnate leaves and striking white flowers with greenish-yellow centers. Thriving in wetlands, its submerged portions exhibit feathery underwater foliage, adapting to fluid environments. This perennial herb is distinctive for its preference for marshy habitats and its ability to spread rapidly, often forming dense stands in its native ecosystems.

Corkyfruit waterdropwort is a tall, hardy perennial herb that prefers acidic soils. It needs ample sunlight and will not grow in the shade. It is toxic to both humans and meadow-grazing livestock.