About
Oenanthe fistulosa, the tubular water dropwort, is a wetland perennial to 1 m with hollow, tubular stems and pinnate, slightly grey-green leaves divided into lobed leaflets. Dome-shaped clusters of tiny, white flowers on tall, hollow stems are produced from midsummer to early autumn. An ornamental wetland plant for the margins of ponds and streams.
About the genus
Oenanthe are perennials of damp ground, marshes and water margins with hollow stems, pinnate leaves and flat-topped clusters of small, white flowers in summer. Several species are very poisonous.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeLoam, Clay
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Poorly-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH7
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitBushy, Columnar upright
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden
Native toEurope, N Africa, SW Asia
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
CultivationThrives in moist soil, with shelter from cold, drying winds. Suitable for a bog garden, as a marginal or as ground cover alongside streams or in areas prone to flooding
PruningDeadhead if seed is not required
PropagationPropagate by division in late spring, as growth begins, or by softwood cuttings in spring
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids, slugs and snails
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free