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Common Name: Water Parsnip

General Information

Sium latifolium is a perennial plant that can grow up to 2.00 metres tall.
It is harvested from the wild for local use as a food and source of materials.

Known Hazards

The entire plant, and especially the root, is poisonous[, ]. There is no firm proof of this[].

Botanical References

,

Range

Most of Europe, including Britain, excluding the northwest, Portugal, Greece and Turkey.

Habitat

Fens and other wet places, often in water, avoiding acid conditions[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Habit	Perennial
Height	2.00 m
Pollinators	Beetles, Flies, bees
Self-fertile	Yes
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Prefers a light, rich, moisture retentive soil in full sun[]. A plant of wet ground and shallow water, it grows best in about 20cm of water[].

Edible Uses

Leaves - cooked[, ]. Some caution is advised, see the notes above on toxicity.

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

An essential oil is obtained from the seed[].

Propagation

Seed - sow late winter to early spring in a cold frame. The seed can be slow to germinate[]. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and plant them out in the summer if they are large enough. Otherwise, grow them on in a cold frame for their first winter and plant them out in the following spring.
Division in early spring just before new growth begins. Use the side roots[]. Larger divisions can be planted out direct into their permanent positions. We have found it best to pot up the smaller divisions and grow them on in a lightly shaded position in a cold frame, planting them out once they are well established in the summer.