Contents
Description
Sium is a genus of aquatic plants that belongs to the Apiaceae family. It is commonly known as water-parsnip or water-celery due to its resemblance to the land-based parsley and celery plants. Sium species are native to temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere, and they are found in wetlands and along the banks of slow-moving streams and rivers. Sium plants have a taproot system and can grow up to 4 feet tall. They produce compound leaves with serrated edges and small white flowers that bloom in clusters during the summer months. Sium fruits are oval-shaped and contain two seeds.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Apiales |
| Family | Apiaceae |
| Genus | Sium |
Appearance
Sium plants have a striking appearance that sets them apart from other aquatic plants. They have tall and slender stems that are green in color and covered in small hairs. The leaves are compound and can grow up to 12 inches long. They have serrated edges and are arranged alternately along the stem. Sium produces small white flowers that grow in clusters at the end of the stems. The flowers bloom in the summer months and are followed by oval-shaped fruits that contain two seeds.
Care Guide
To care for Sium plants, it is important to provide them with the right growing conditions. Here are some tips on how to care for Sium: – Water: Sium plants require a lot of water to thrive. They should be planted in water that is at least 6 inches deep. – Fertilization: Sium plants do not require regular fertilization. However, you can add a slow-release fertilizer to the water once a year to promote growth. – Soil: Sium plants do not require soil since they are aquatic plants. They can be planted in a pot or directly in the water. – Sunlight: Sium plants require full sun to partial shade to grow properly. – Hardiness Zones: Sium plants can grow in hardiness zones 3-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Sium plants are generally not prone to pests and diseases. However, they may be susceptible to the following: – Aphids: These small insects can infest the leaves and stems of Sium plants. They can be controlled with insecticidal soap. – Powdery Mildew: This fungal disease can cause a white powdery substance to form on the leaves of Sium plants. It can be controlled with fungicide.
Habitat
Sium plants are found in wetlands and along the banks of slow-moving streams and rivers. They prefer water that is at least 6 inches deep and can tolerate a wide range of water conditions. Sium plants are native to temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere, including North America, Europe, and Asia.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Sium plants grow in containers?
A: Yes, Sium plants can be grown in containers as long as there is enough water to cover the roots.
Q: How often should I water my Sium plant?
A: Sium plants require a lot of water to thrive. They should be watered whenever the water level drops below 6 inches.
Q: Do Sium plants attract wildlife?
A: Yes, Sium plants can attract a variety of wildlife, including insects, birds, and small mammals.
Q: How tall can Sium plants grow?
A: Sium plants can grow up to 4 feet tall.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Sium: – Oenanthe- Cicuta- Conium- Hydrocotyle
References
– “Sium.” Encyclopædia Britannica. Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., n.d. Web. 24 July 2021.- “Sium.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Missouri Botanical Garden, n.d. Web. 24 July 2021.- “Sium.” The Plant List. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew and Missouri Botanical Garden, n.d. Web. 24 July 2021.
