Water-parsnip
Berula erecta
Last reviewed: June 2026
Light
part sun
Water
high
Size
12"–36" H × 6"–18" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul, Aug
Native to
MI
Pollinators
bees, flies, beetles
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Water-parsnip is an aquatic or semi-aquatic native perennial that thrives in wet soils and shallow water. It produces small white flowers in umbrella-like clusters during summer months and requires consistently moist to wet conditions to flourish.
In an HOA neighborhood
Water-parsnip takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: high. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Requires very wet conditions unsuitable for typical landscaping
- Belongs to parsnip family which may raise safety concerns
- Has informal wetland appearance that looks out of place in maintained yards
Wildlife value
The summer blooms attract various pollinators including bees, flies, and beetles. This plant is particularly valuable for supporting insects that frequent wetland habitats.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Does Water-parsnip fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.