Common Name: Cutleaf Waterparsnip

General Information

Berula erecta is a robust, erect to decumbent, herbaceous perennial plant producing stems usually less than 100cm but sometimes up to 250cm tall from a rhizomatous rootstock. The stems are usually stoloniferous, rooting at the nodes, the plant often forming large colonies[].
The plant is sometimes harvested from the wild for local medicinal use and possibly as a food.
The plant is classified as 'Least Concern' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2013)[].

Known Hazards

The plant is toxic, and capable of causing death to grazing animals[].

Botanical References

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Range

Widespread in the temperate zones of Europe, Asia, N. America, also found in eastern Africa from Egypt through the tropical regions to S. Africa.

Habitat

An aquatic or semi-aquatic plant, growing in ditches, canals, ponds, streamsides, fens and marshes[, ].

Properties

Conservation Status	Least Concern
Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Habit	Perennial
Height	1.00 m
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Berula erecta is found through much of the northern temperate zone, avoiding the colder, more northerly regions. It is also found through the tropical areas of eastern Africa.
Judging by its native habitats, it is likely to need a moist to wet soil or shallow water, and a position inin full sun or light shade[].
The leaves of this plant are very similar to Apium nodiflorum, differing in colour and in the usually greater number of pairs of segments[].

Edible Uses

The leaves and flowers have been used for food[]. This report needs to be treated with some caution - see notes above on toxicity.

Medicinal

The plant is used externally in the treatment of rheumatism[].
An infusion of the whole plant can be used as a wash for swellings, rashes and athletes foot infections[].

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed -
Division