1. Water Parsley – Oenanthe sarmentosa
(ee-NAN-tha sar-men-TO-sa )
Family: Apiaceae (Carrot Family)
Native to: Coastal CA & Sierra foothills from S. CA (including western L.A. Co. to British Columbia;
in marshes, ditches, pond edges, seasonally wet places, from near coastline to 5000 ft elevation.
Growth characteristics: herbaceous perennial mature height: 2-4 ft. mature width: 2-4 ft.
Herbaceous perennial with weak, rather succulent stems. Foliage is medium green, smooth.
Leaves look somewhat like those of celery or leaf parsley; compound, roughly triangular in overall
shape and often coarsely toothed. Plant spreads via slender underground rhizomes.
Blooms in spring – usually May-June in our area, but may be later. Flowers are
small, white in dense, flat compound umbels – similar to Queen Ann’s Lace in appearance. Showy in
an old-fashioned, woodsy way. Flowers attract many insects.
Blooms/fruits:
Uses in the garden: Makes an interesting plant for around ponds and other water features – can
even grow in shallow water. Excellent all-round habitat plant (see below). Good choice for edges of
vegetable garden. Fine in large pots, containers, planters.
Sensible substitute for: Non-native Queen Ann’s Lace and similar perennials.
Attracts: Excellent insect habitat: flowers attract small bees, flies, wasps, and other insects & larval
food source for Anise Swallowtail. Birds eat the seeds.
Requirements:
Element
Sun
Soil
Water
Fertilizer
Other
Requirement
Full sun to light shade; will grow in shadier places, but won’t flower.
Most local soils.
Fairly regular to regular water; Water Zone 2-3 to 3.
Fine with amended soils; light fertilizer OK.
Leaf mulch or top dressing is good.
Pretty easy with adequate water. Will spread – may need to contain. Cut back old
stems in fall/winter.
Management:
Propagation: from seed: fresh seed best; otherwise soak and cold-moist treat for 1 month
by divisions: in spring
Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 39
7/2/12
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