About
Oenanthe pimpinelloides, the corky-fruited water dropwort, is a UK native perennial found mostly in southern England, producing upright, hollow, fluted stems to 1 m with highly divided, fern-like leaves and small, white flowers in light umbels in summer. An ornamental wildflower for a moist, sunny meadow or pond margin.
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
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam
Soil pHAlkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Wildflower meadow, Wildlife gardens
Native toEurope, SW Asia
ToxicityTOXIC if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling 11728,oenothera-acaulis,Oenothera acaulis,,Oenothera acaulis
Care notes
CultivationOccurs naturally in old, unimproved, dry or damp grassland, and in moist spots beside roads, ponds or ditches. Prefers low fertility, alkaline soil in a sunny position
PruningDeadhead if seed is not required
PropagationPropagate by division of tubers or propagate by seed
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free