Species water parsnip

water parsnip

Sium suave

Water parsnip (Sium suave) is a robust plant native to wetland regions. It has stout stems and produces large white flowers. The plant grows to 1-2.5 m in height. Its leaves are long and pinnately divided into leaflets, each with toothed margins. Its seed heads are flat and outward pointing which gives the plant a distinctive look with yellowish-green, star-shaped flowers. The water parsnip grows in shallow ponds and other areas with seasonal flooding, and its roots nicely filter out unwanted materials from the water. Overall, it is a striking and elegant plant that adds great decorative value to wetland areas.

Cycle:

Herbaceous Perennial

Watering:

Frequent

Propagation:

Division,Cutting,Seed Propagation,Layering Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

3 - 9

Flowers:

White Flowers

Sun:

Full sun,part shade

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green,yellow,purple

Growth Rate:

Low

Maintenance:

Moderate

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Invasive:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

The water parsnip (Sium suave) is generally a low-maintenance plant, provided it is grown in the right conditions. It should be grown in full sun to partial shade in moist yet well-drained acidic soil. It is also important to note that water parsnip prefers areas that are consistently moist as it is known to thrive in wetlands and shallow waters. For general maintenance, the water parsnip should be watered deeply about every 3-5 days, or when the top 1-2 inches of soil feels dry. In times of extreme heat or drought, however, more frequent watering may be necessary to prevent the soil from drying out completely. Additionally, mulching the soil around the water parsnip may help to retain moisture during hot, dry weather.

sunlight

Water parsnip (Sium suave) prefers sunny locations to ensure the best growth and the highest yield of blossoms. This species does best when exposed to a minimum of 8 hours of direct sunlight each day during the growing season, when days are longer. It can also tolerate partial shade, but will not produce as many flowers if grown in conditions of reduced sunlight. In order to encourage flowering, direct sunlight is best. In cooler climates, plants should be exposed to morning or late afternoon sun but sheltered from the midday sun as this can create a stressful environment for the plant and cause it to wilt or suffer from heat stress.

pruning

Water parsnip (Sium suave) should be pruned lightly in early spring before new growth begins. Pruning helps to keep the plant healthy and free of overgrowth. Pruning should be done lightly with pruners or clippers. Water parsnip should never be sheared as this can compromise the health of the plant. Pruning should be done to create a symmetrical and balanced look, with the center of the plant being left at a higher level than the outer edges. Remove dead or damaged stems and leave young growth alone for the healthiest results.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

Water parsnip typically starts flowering in June.

Hardiness Map