Water Dropwort, Fineleaf waterdropwort
Oenanthe aquatica

Family: Apiaceae or Umbelliferae

What it is like

Oenanthe aquatica is a PERENNIAL growing to 1.5 m (5ft). It is in flower from June to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees, flies, beetles. The plant is self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers wet soil and can grow in water.

Height (m): 1.5

Where it is found

In slow moving or stagnant water, and by the sides of streams, avoiding acid conditions.

Europe, including Britain, though absent from the far north, to W. Asia.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 0

Medicine

Rating: 2

The fruit is antiperiodic, diaphoretic, diuretic, expectorant and pectoral. It is used in the treatment of chronic pectoral affections, dyspepsia, intermittent fevers, obstinate ulcers etc. This plant should be used with great caution, and only under the supervision of an experienced practitioner. In overdose the fruits cause vertigo, intoxication and other narcotic effects. The roots have been used externally in the treatment of piles. A homeopathic remedy is made from the fruits. It is used in the treatment of bronchitis, coughs etc.

Antiperiodic: Counteracts recurring illnesses such as malaria.

Diaphoretic: Induces perspiration.

Diuretic: Acts on the kidneys, promoting the flow of urine.

Expectorant: Clears phlegm from the chest by inducing coughing.

Homeopathy: A plant used in homeopathic treatments.

Narcotic: Relieves pain, induces drowsiness and gives a sense of well-being.

Pectoral: Relieves respiratory diseases, a remedy for chest diseases.

Other

Rating:

How it is grown

Requires shallow water or a very wet fertile soil. Individual plants are biennial, dying after flowering. The plant perrenates, however, by means of offsets.

Propagating it: Seed - sow spring or late summer in situ.

Best place to grow: Pond; Bog Garden;

Habit: Perennial

Hardiness: 0-0

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: No shade

Moisture: Wet, water

Things to keep in mind

All parts of the plant are poisonous. It is said to contain the alleged 'psychotroph' myristicine.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

O. phellandrium. Phellandrium aquaticum.