Water-parsnip (Berula erecta, Contr. U.S. Natl. Herb. 4: 115 (1893))

Family: Apiaceae

Author: (Huds.) Coville

Bibliography: Contr. U.S. Natl. Herb. 4: 115 (1893)

Year: 1893

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Berula

Vegetable: Unknown

Observations: Temp. & Subtrop. Northern Hemisphere to NE. & E. Trop. Africa

Description

Water-parsnip, scientifically known as Berula erecta, is an intriguing aquatic plant that belongs to the Apiaceae family. This perennial herb is renowned for its adaptability and widespread presence across various regions, thriving in diverse environments ranging from temperate and subtropical zones of the Northern Hemisphere to the northeastern and eastern parts of tropical Africa.

Characterized by its erect stature, Berula erecta typically flourishes in wet habitats such as marshes, riverbanks, and damp meadows. Its preference for such moist environments highlights its role in maintaining the health of aquatic ecosystems. The plant’s structure includes hollow, grooved stems that can grow to a considerable height, and it possesses finely divided leaves that offer a delicate, feathery appearance.

The flowering phase of the water-parsnip occurs in the summer months, producing clusters of small, white flowers arranged in umbels. This floral pattern is typical of the Apiaceae family and is visually similar to the flowers of other well-known members of this family, like caraway or celery. The seeds that follow are essential for the propagation of the plant, ensuring its continued presence and spread across its native and introduced ranges.

The bibliographic record of Berula erecta traces back to its formal description, which is documented in the “Contributions from the United States National Herbarium” (Volume 4, Page 115, published in 1893) by the botanist Frederick Vernon Coville, who attributed the earlier classification by William Hudson.

Due to its significant ecological role and distinctive botanical characteristics, the water-parsnip is an important species within its habitats. It contributes to the biodiversity and stability of wetland ecosystems, making it a subject of interest for botanists, ecologists, and conservationists alike. Understanding and preserving Berula erecta can provide insights into the health of aquatic environments and the broader ecological networks in which this resilient and adaptable plant thrives.

Common Names

Deu: berle, schmalblättriger merk, schmalblättriger merk, wassersellerie
Dan: sideskærm, sideskærm (submers form), smalbladet mærke
Nor: vasskjeks
Swe: bäckmärke
Eng: cutleaf waterparsnip, lesser water-parsnip, lesser water-parsnip, water celery, narrow-leaf water-parsnip, water-parsnip
Nld: kleine watereppe
Fra: petite berle, berle dressée
Cym: dyfrforonen gulddail, moronen y dŵr, panasen-y-dŵr gulddail, pannas y dwfr, pannas y dŵr
En: Water-parsnip, Lesser water-parsnip, Narrow-leaf water-parsnip, Cutleaf waterparsnip, Lesser water-parsnip, water celery, Water Celery
Ca: Galassa erecta
Da: Sideskærm, Sideskærm (submers form), Smalbladet mærke
Nl: Kleine watereppe
Fr: Petite berle, Berle dressée, Berle à feuilles étroites, Bérule
De: Berle, Schmalblättriger Merk, Schmalblättriger Merk, Wassersellerie, Aufrechter Merk, Berle, Kleiner Merk
It: Sedanina d’acqua
No: Vasskjeks
Sv: Bäckmärke
Cy: Dyfrforonen Gulddail, Moronen y Dŵr, Panasen-y-Dŵr Gulddail, Pannas y Dwfr, Pannas y Dŵr

Synonyms

• Berula erecta var. incisa ((Torr.) Cronquist)
• Berla monspeliensium (Bubani)
• Berula angustifolia (Mert. & W.D.J.Koch)
• Apium berula (Caruel)
• Berula erecta f. dentata (Wimm. & Grab.)
• Berula angustifolia subvar. gracile (Coss. & Germ.)
• Berula erecta var. macrodon (Koso-Pol.)
• Sium orientale ((Woronow ex Schischk.) Soó)
• Berula erecta f. incisum (Lojac.)
• Sium berula (Gouan)
• Sium angustifolium var. polyphylla (Schltdl.)
• Berula pusilla ((Nutt.) Fernald)
• Berula orientalis (Woronow ex Schischk.)
• Siella erecta ((Huds.) Pimenov)
• Sium novae-mexicae (Koso-Pol.)
• Sium angustifolium (L.)
• Selinum berula (E.H.L.Krause)
• Sium novae-mexicae var. fimbriatum (Koso-Pol.)
• Berula erecta var. stenodon (Koso-Pol.)
• Berula erecta f. serratifolia (Thell.)
• Berula erecta f. repens ((G.F.W.Mey.) Wolfg.)
• Berula erecta f. microphylla (Uechtr. ex Abrom.)
• Berula angustifolia var. serratifolia (Wimm. & Grab.)
• Berula angustifolia var. gracile ((Coss. & Germ.) Rouy & E.G.Camus)
• Berula angustifolia var. dentata (Wimm. & Grab.)
• Sium incisum (Pers.)
• Carum sioides (J.M.Black)
• Sium angustifolium var. decumbens (Hartm.)
• Sium ferula (Raeusch.)
• Sium erectum (Huds.)
• Apium sium (Crantz)
• Berula incisa ((Torr.) G.N.Jones)
• Sium nodiflorum (Oeder)

Distribution

• Afghanistan (native)
• Albania (native)
• Arizona (native)
• Arkansas (native)
• Austria (native)
• Baleares (native)
• Baltic States (native)
• Belarus (native)
• Belgium (native)
• British Columbia (native)
• Bulgaria (native)
• California (native)
• Central European Rus (native)
• Corse (native)
• Czechoslovakia (native)
• Denmark (native)
• East European Russia (native)
• Egypt (native)
• Eritrea (native)
• Ethiopia (native)
• France (native)
• Germany (native)
• Great Britain (native)
• Greece (native)
• Guatemala (native)
• Hungary (native)
• Idaho (native)
• Illinois (native)
• Iowa (native)
• Iran (native)
• Iraq (native)
• Ireland (native)
• Italy (native)
• Kansas (native)
• Kazakhstan (native)
• Kenya (native)
• Kirgizstan (native)
• Krym (native)
• Lebanon-Syria (native)
• Mexico Central (native)
• Mexico Southeast (native)
• Mexico Southwest (native)
• Michigan (native)
• Minnesota (native)
• Missouri (native)
• Montana (native)
• Morocco (native)
• Nebraska (native)
• Nepal (native)
• Netherlands (native)
• Nevada (native)
• New Mexico (native)
• New York (native)
• North Caucasus (native)
• North Dakota (native)
• North European Russi (native)
• Northwest European R (native)
• Norway (native)
• Oklahoma (native)
• Ontario (native)
• Oregon (native)
• Pakistan (native)
• Poland (native)
• Portugal (native)
• Romania (native)
• Sardegna (native)
• Sicilia (native)
• South Dakota (native)
• South European Russi (native)
• Spain (native)
• Sudan (native)
• Sweden (native)
• Switzerland (native)
• Tadzhikistan (native)
• Tanzania (native)
• Texas (native)
• Transcaucasus (native)
• Turkey (native)
• Turkey-in-Europe (native)
• Turkmenistan (native)
• Uganda (native)
• Ukraine (native)
• Utah (native)
• Uzbekistan (native)
• Washington (native)
• West Himalaya (native)
• West Siberia (native)
• Wisconsin (native)
• Wyoming (native)
• Xinjiang (native)
• Yemen (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)
• Cape Provinces (introduced)
• Colorado (introduced)
• South Australia (introduced)

Additional Images

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Leaf

Taken Sep 4, 2022 by Patrice Bracquart (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 1, 2020 by susan brown (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 11, 2021 by plantysamm (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 16, 2022 by Błażej Nowak (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 26, 2021 by François Mary-Vallée (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Jul 11, 2008 by Tela Botanica − Mathieu MENAND (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 21, 2022 by Marie France Petibon (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 1, 2020 by susan brown (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 11, 2021 by plantysamm (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 1, 2020 by susan brown (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Aug 21, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Dominique REMAUD (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 8, 2022 by Thibaut Durr (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 8, 2022 by Thibaut Durr (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 15, 2022 by Вера Иванова (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 21, 2022 by Marie France Petibon (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Aug 15, 2018 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Aug 16, 2022 by Alona T (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 8, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Francis GOELLER (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 10, 2022 by Patrice Bracquart (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 1, 2020 by susan brown (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Aug 25, 2019 by Panhoci Madalena (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 15, 2005 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Sep 15, 2005 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Aug 17, 2015 by EOL − Steve Matson (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jul 21, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Henri SCORDIA (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Jun 17, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1970 by Photoflora – L’Abbé COSTE (©)

Taken Aug 15, 2007 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Jan 1, 1800 by Tela Botanica − Daniel MATHIEU (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 31, 1851 by Tela Botanica − Herbier PONTARLIER-MARICHAL (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3034699)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:31836-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Berula erecta (Huds.) Coville)

Specifications

Growth