Oenanthe aquatica
fine-leaved water dropwort
An extremely poisonous, perennial plant, either floating or terrestrial, about 1-1.5m tall, with small mid-green leaves in fan-shaped segments. Small 5-petaled white flowers bloom in compound umbels, from early summer to early autumn
Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Poorly–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | White | Green | ||
| Autumn | White | Green | ||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H7Botanical details
- Family
- Apiaceae
- Native to the UK
- Yes
- Foliage
- Deciduous or Semi evergreen
- Habit
- Clump forming, Floating
- Potentially harmful
- TOXIC if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
- Genus
Oenanthe are perennials with a preference for damp ground, marshes or water. Hollow stems are shiny and can grow up to 2m tall. Leaves are triangular, shiny and bright green and flowers are arranged in small white clusters. Brown, rugby-shaped seeds follow the flowers.
- Name status
Correct
How to grow
Cultivation
Grows naturally in damp meadows and near ditches and ponds and has the potential to become a nuisance if left unchecked. For a list of alterntive plant to use in ponds and streams, please go to our advice profile on bog gardens and pond plants
Propagation
Propagate by division in late spring
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Wildlife gardens
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
Generally pest-free, but may be susceptible to slugs and snails
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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