Berula erecta
lesser water parsnip
An herbaceous perennial with a clump-forming, upright habit up to 1m tall. It has hollow, grooved stems and pinnate leaves, giving a feathery appearance. Flowering from June to September, it produces small, white, five-petaled blooms in umbrella-like clusters. The foliage emits a mild parsley-like scent when crushed
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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
1–2 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Poorly–drainedpH
Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | White | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full shade
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H7Botanical details
- Family
- Apiaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- Yes
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Name status
Correct
How to grow
Cultivation
Thrives in wet habitats such as ditches, canals, ponds, fens, and marshes in full sun
Propagation
Propagate by division
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Wildlife gardens
- Bedding
Pruning
Cut back old or dead foliage in late winter or early spring
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
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