Meadow Parsley, Corkyfruit waterdropwort

Oenanthe pimpinelloides

Physical Characteristics

Oenanthe pimpinelloides is a PERENNIAL growing to 1 m (3ft 3in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8. It is in flower from June to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. 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 moist or wet soil.

Distribution

Europe, including Britain, from Belgium south and east to Spain and W. Asia

Habitats

Meadow; Bog Garden;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Root Edible Uses: Root[2, 105]. Starchy with a flavour somewhat like filberts, is much esteemed in some areas[4, 183]. Some caution is advised since many members of this genus are very poisonous, see the notes above on toxicity.

Medicinal Uses

None known

Known Hazards

Many species in this genus are very poisonous, one report has been found so far saying that this species is also poisonous[76]. It is said to contain the alleged 'psychotroph' myristicine[218].