About
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.
About the 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.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeClay, Loam
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisturePoorly-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH7
Plant details
Plant typeBogs, Herbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming, Floating
FoliageDeciduous, Semi evergreen
Height1-1.5 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesWildlife gardens
ToxicityTOXIC if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling TOXIC to pets if eaten (dogs) - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers
Care notes
CultivationGrows 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
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by division in late spring
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free, but may be susceptible to slugs and snails
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free