Water Dropwort,Water parsely

Oenanthe sarmentosa

Physical Characteristics

Oenanthe sarmentosa is a PERENNIAL growing to 1 m (3ft 3in). 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

Western N. America - British Columbia to California.

Habitats

Bog Garden;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Root Stem Edible Uses: Root - cooked[2, 105]. A sweet farinaceous flesh, the root is highly esteemed in the areas where it is eaten[46, 161, 183]. A cream-like taste when boiled with a slight parsley flavour[183]. Some caution is advised, see the notes above on toxicity. Young stem - raw or cooked[118, 257].

Medicinal Uses

Emetic Purgative The roots are emetic and purgative[257]. The roots have been crushed then swallowed by a pregnant woman in order to facilitate and speed up delivery[257].

Known Hazards

Although no specific mention of toxicity has been seen for this species, it belongs to a genus that contains a number of very poisonous plants and so some caution is advised. It is said to contain the alleged 'psychotroph' myristicine[218].