Family: Apiaceae
Author: C.Presl ex DC.
Bibliography: Prodr. 4: 138 (1830)
Year: 1830
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Oenanthe
Vegetable: False
Observations: Alaska to California
Description
Water parsley, known by its scientific name Oenanthe sarmentosa, is a noteworthy member of the Apiaceae family. First described in the early 19th century by the botanist C. Presl in collaboration with A. P. de Candolle, this plant has a notable presence in botanical literature, specifically cited in the publication Prodr. 4: 138 (1830).
This perennial herb thrives in the diverse climatic regions extending from Alaska to California. Its ability to adapt to various environmental conditions makes it a fascinating subject for ecological and botanical studies. Typically found in wetlands, along streams, and in marshy grounds, water parsley plays a crucial role in these ecosystems by providing habitat and nutrients for a variety of wildlife.
The plant exhibits characteristic features of the Apiaceae family, with hollow stems and umbels of small, white flowers. Its vibrant green leaves resemble those of true parsley, hence the common name. However, it is essential to note that water parsley is not directly related to the culinary parsley often used in kitchens.
Water parsley’s natural range highlights its adaptability and importance within North American wetland ecosystems. It not only contributes to the landscape’s biodiversity but also serves as an indicator of wetland health. Botanists and ecologists continue to study Oenanthe sarmentosa to understand its role and benefits within these habitats.
Common Names
Eng: water parsley, pacific water parsley, american water parsley, pacific water dropwort
Fra: oenanthe sarmenteuse
En: Water parsely, Pacific Water-Dropwort, Water parsley, Pacific water parsley, American water parsley, Pacific water dropwort
Fr: Oenanthe sarmenteuse
Synonyms
- Oenanthe phellandrium (Nutt.)
- Cicuta californica ((S.Watson) Greene)
- Helosciadium californicum (Hook. & Arn.)
- Oenanthe californica (S.Watson)
- Oenanthe sarmentosa var. californica ((S.Watson) J.M.Coult. & Rose)
Distribution
- Alaska (native)
- British Columbia (native)
- California (native)
- Oregon (native)
- Washington (native)
Additional Images
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Flower
Taken Dec 1, 1998 by EOL − Charles Webber (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − John Hilty (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Gordon Leppig & Andrea J. Pickart (public)
Taken Feb 26, 2016 by EOL − Marion Anthonisen (cc-by-nc)
Taken Mar 29, 2014 by EOL − Robert Steers (cc-by-nc)
Leaf
Taken Apr 2, 2016 by EOL − mbalame99 (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jan 7, 2016 by EOL − Lauren Magner (cc-by-nc)
Taken Apr 2, 2014 by EOL − boschniakia (cc-by-nc)
Taken Mar 29, 2014 by EOL − shasek (cc-by-nc)
Taken May 25, 2015 by EOL − Paul Norwood (cc-by-nc)
Habit
Taken Apr 14, 2016 by EOL − Ken-ichi Ueda (cc-by-nc)
Taken Apr 14, 2016 by EOL − Ken-ichi Ueda (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jan 10, 2016 by EOL − Lauren Magner (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jan 17, 2016 by EOL − Lauren Magner (cc-by-nc)
Taken May 8, 2014 by EOL − Peter Brastow (cc-by-nc)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5371891)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:845373-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Oenanthe sarmentosa C. Presl ex DC.)
Specifications
Growth habit>: Forb/herb
