Data provided by the participants of the Consortium of California Herbaria

View additional distribution information on the Jepson eflora

Berula erecta, known as lesser water-parsnip or cutleaf waterparsnip, is a member of the carrot family. Growing to around 1 m (3 ft) tall, it is found in or by water. It is widespread across much of Europe, Asia, Australia, and North America. Berula erecta is an herb sometimes reaching up to 100 cm (40 inches) in height. Stem is hollow. Underwater leaves consist of compound with thread-like lobes; leaves above the surface of the water and flatter and broader. The plant produces many small white flowers in a compound umbel.

Plant type

Perennial herb

Size

3 - 10 ft Tall

Form

Upright

Growth rate

Fast

Calscape icon
Color

White

Flowering season

Summer

Soil description

Prefers loamy or clay soils. Grows poorly in sandy soils.

Plant communities

Chaparral, Foothill Woodland, Lodgepole Forest, Red Fir Forest, Subalpine Forest, Valley Grassland, Wetland-Riparian, Yellow Pine Forest

Caterpillars
Butterflies

Butterflies and moths supported

1 confirmed and 0 likely

Confirmed Likely

Black Swallowtail

Papilio polyxenes