Where does Water Parsley naturally grow?

Water Parsley is native to the Pacific Coast states of California, Oregon, and Washington, typically growing in wetlands, marshes, and along stream banks.

When does Oenanthe sarmentosa bloom?

Water Parsley blooms from May through July, producing small white flowers arranged in umbrella-like clusters typical of the carrot family.

What pollinators visit Water Parsley?

Water Parsley attracts various bees and flies, which are drawn to its small white flowers that provide nectar and pollen during the summer months.

What growing conditions does Water Parsley prefer?

This wetland plant requires consistently moist to wet soil conditions and can tolerate full sun to partial shade, making it ideal for rain gardens and pond edges.

Is Water Parsely HOA-friendly?

Water Parsely takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Water Parsely

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Oenanthe sarmentosa

Last reviewed: August 2026

Oenanthe sarmentosa (Water Parsley) is a native wetland forb found in California, Oregon, and Washington that blooms from May through July. This moisture-loving plant attracts bees and flies with its small white flower clusters.

Toxicity unknown

Water Parsely (Oenanthe sarmentosa) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

part sun

Water

high

Size

12"–48" H × 12"–36" W

Bloom

May, Jun, Jul

Native to

CA, OR, WA

Pollinators

bees, flies

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 437 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

Find rebates in your area

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Coast Range Puget Lowland Marine West Coast Forest Northwestern Forested Mountains Sierra Nevada Central California Foothills and Coastal Mountains Central California Valley Southern California Mountains Southern California/Northern Baja Coast

Water parsley is a moisture-loving native perennial that thrives in wet soils and boggy areas. It produces delicate white flower clusters from late spring through summer and can spread to form colonies in suitable conditions. This plant goes dormant in winter, dying back to the ground before regrowing in spring.

Growing Water Parsely

Grow Water Parsely in part sun and high water. Mature plants reach 12 to 48 inches tall and spread 12 to 36 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.

In an HOA neighborhood

Water Parsely takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

Looks weedy and informal when growing
Dies back completely in winter leaving bare spots
Spreading habit can appear unkempt

Wildlife value

The umbrella-shaped flower clusters attract various pollinators including native bees and beneficial flies during its long blooming period from May through July.

Common questions

Where does Water Parsley naturally grow?: Water Parsley is native to the Pacific Coast states of California, Oregon, and Washington, typically growing in wetlands, marshes, and along stream banks.
When does Oenanthe sarmentosa bloom?: Water Parsley blooms from May through July, producing small white flowers arranged in umbrella-like clusters typical of the carrot family.
What pollinators visit Water Parsley?: Water Parsley attracts various bees and flies, which are drawn to its small white flowers that provide nectar and pollen during the summer months.
What growing conditions does Water Parsley prefer?: This wetland plant requires consistently moist to wet soil conditions and can tolerate full sun to partial shade, making it ideal for rain gardens and pond edges.
Is Water Parsely HOA-friendly?: Water Parsely takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

These answers were drafted with an AI model from this plant's data. Verify care details with a local expert.

Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

Ready to grow Water Parsely? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

Add this plant to your garden

iPhone app Android app

Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz