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Description
Oenanthe Aquatica is a perennial herbaceous plant belonging to the Apiaceae family. It is also known as water dropwort, water hemlock or fine-leaved water dropwort. The plant is commonly found in shallow water, wetlands, marshes, and along streams and ponds. It is native to Europe, Asia, and North Africa, but has been introduced to other parts of the world, including North America.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Angiospermae |
| Order | Apiales |
| Family | Apiaceae |
| Genus | Oenanthe |
Appearance
Oenanthe Aquatica has slender, hollow stems that can grow up to 1 meter in height. The leaves are finely divided and can have up to 20 leaflets. The plant produces clusters of small white flowers that bloom from June to September. The fruits are small and round, measuring around 2mm in diameter. The plant has a distinct parsley-like odor.
Care Guide
Water: Oenanthe Aquatica prefers to grow in shallow water, but can also grow in moist soil. Make sure the soil is consistently moist.
Fertilization: The plant does not require fertilization.
Soil: The plant prefers moist soil that is rich in organic matter.
Sunlight: Oenanthe Aquatica prefers full sun to partial shade.
Hardiness Zones: The plant is hardy to USDA zones 5-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Oenanthe Aquatica is relatively disease and pest resistant. However, it can be susceptible to powdery mildew, leaf spot, and root rot if grown in poorly drained soil or if overwatered. To prevent these diseases, ensure that the soil is well-drained and that the plant is not overwatered.
Habitat
Oenanthe Aquatica is commonly found in shallow water, wetlands, marshes, and along streams and ponds. It is native to Europe, Asia, and North Africa, but has been introduced to other parts of the world, including North America. The plant prefers to grow in moist soil that is rich in organic matter.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Oenanthe Aquatica toxic?
A: Yes, all parts of the plant are toxic and can be fatal if ingested.
Q: Can Oenanthe Aquatica be grown in a container?
A: Yes, the plant can be grown in a container as long as it is kept consistently moist.
Q: Is Oenanthe Aquatica an invasive species?
A: Yes, the plant has been known to become invasive in some areas.
Q: Can Oenanthe Aquatica be used in cooking?
A: Yes, the plant has been used in traditional medicine and as a flavoring agent.
Related Plants
- Oenanthe Javanica
- Oenanthe Sarmentosa
- Oenanthe Crocata
- Oenanthe pimpinelloides
References
- USDA Plants Database: Oenanthe Aquatica
- Missouri Botanical Garden: Oenanthe Aquatica
- Royal Horticultural Society: Oenanthe Aquatica
