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Oenanthe crocata (Hemlock water dropwort)
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3 hours care
per year
per year
1.5m
Max height
Max height
0.9m
Max spread
Max spread
2-5 years
To maturity
To maturity
Low
Toxicity
Toxicity
Plant details
Botanical name
Oenanthe crocata
Other names
Hemlock water dropwort, Balder root, Ban dock, Dead tongue, Hemlock dropwort, Hemlock wort, Water hemlock, Water dropwort
Genus
Oenanthe Oenanthe
Species
O. crocata - O. crocata is an erect, robust, moisture-loving, highly toxic, deciduous perennial with thick, sturdy, hollow stems bearing pinnate leaves divided into numerous triangular, toothed, grey-green leaflets and umbels of tiny, star-shaped, white flowers in summer.
Oenanthe crocata is: Deciduous
Habit
Erect
Toxicity
All parts are highly toxic and consuming even a small amount, particularly the root, will mostly likely be fatal. The roots have been mistaken for parsnips leading to a number of fatalities.
Flower
White in Summer
Foliage
Cream, Mid-green, Pink in Spring; Pink, Mid-green, Cream in Summer; Pink, Mid-green, Cream in Autumn
How to care
Watch out for
Specific pests
Aphids , Slugs , Snails Aphids , Slugs , Snails
General care
Pruning
Deadhead regularly to prevent unwanted seedlings. Cut back in autumn. Wear protective gloves and coveralls and carefully dispose of cut material.
Propagation methods
Seed
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Where to grow
Oenanthe crocata (Hemlock water dropwort) will reach a height of 1.5m and a spread of 0.9m after 2-5 years.
Suggested uses
Aquatic, Bog garden, Containers, Edging, Ground Cover, Hanging baskets, Waterside
Cultivation
Grow in moist or wet soil in full sun or partial shade. Grow with caution as this plant is highly toxic. Usually found growing alongside water.
Soil type
Chalky, Clay, Loamy, Sandy (will tolerate most soil types)
Soil drainage
Boggy damp conditions, Moisture-retentive
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Light
Partial Shade, Full Sun
Aspect
South, West
Exposure
Sheltered
UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.
Hardy (H4), Tender in frost (H3)
Companion plants
We do not currently have companion plants added for this plant.
Botanical name
Oenanthe crocata
Other names
Hemlock water dropwort, Balder root, Ban dock, Dead tongue, Hemlock dropwort, Hemlock wort, Water hemlock, Water dropwort
Genus
Oenanthe Oenanthe
Species
O. crocata - O. crocata is an erect, robust, moisture-loving, highly toxic, deciduous perennial with thick, sturdy, hollow stems bearing pinnate leaves divided into numerous triangular, toothed, grey-green leaflets and umbels of tiny, star-shaped, white flowers in summer.
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Erect
Toxicity
All parts are highly toxic and consuming even a small amount, particularly the root, will mostly likely be fatal. The roots have been mistaken for parsnips leading to a number of fatalities.
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Colour
Flower
White in Summer
Foliage
Cream, Mid-green, Pink in Spring; Pink, Mid-green, Cream in Summer; Pink, Mid-green, Cream in Autumn
How to care
Watch out for
Specific pests
General care
Pruning
Deadhead regularly to prevent unwanted seedlings. Cut back in autumn. Wear protective gloves and coveralls and carefully dispose of cut material.
Propagation methods
Seed
Monthly care advice
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Where to grow
Oenanthe crocata (Hemlock water dropwort) will reach a height of 1.5m and a spread of 0.9m after 2-5 years.
Suggested uses
Aquatic, Bog garden, Containers, Edging, Ground Cover, Hanging baskets, Waterside
Cultivation
Grow in moist or wet soil in full sun or partial shade. Grow with caution as this plant is highly toxic. Usually found growing alongside water.
Soil type
Chalky, Clay, Loamy, Sandy (will tolerate most soil types)
Soil drainage
Boggy damp conditions, Moisture-retentive
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Light
Partial Shade, Full Sun
Aspect
South, West
Exposure
Sheltered
UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.
Hardy (H4), Tender in frost (H3)
USDA zones
Zone 9, Zone 8, Zone 7, Zone 6, Zone 5
In order to add a note on this plant, please add this plant to your plant lists.
| This plant likes... | Garden match | |
| Soil types: | Chalky, Clay, Loamy, Sandy (will tolerate most soil types) | Tell us... |
| Soil drainage: | Boggy damp conditions, Moisture-retentive | Tell us... |
| Soil pH: | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral | Tell us... |
| Light: | Partial Shade, Full Sun | Tell us... |
| Aspect: | South, West | Tell us... |
| Exposure: | Sheltered | Tell us... |
| Hardiness: | Hardy (H4), Tender in frost (H3) | Tell us... |
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