Water-parsnip
Berula erecta
Last reviewed: June 2026
Berula erecta (Water-parsnip) is a native aquatic forb found in Michigan wetlands that blooms white flowers from June through August. This water-loving plant attracts bees, flies, and beetles to its small umbrella-shaped flower clusters.
Water-parsnip is listed as toxic to grazing livestock (cattle, sheep, and goats) at a slight level by the USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab). This is a livestock indicator and is separate from pet toxicity.
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.
Growing Water-parsnip
Grow Water-parsnip in part sun and high water. Mature plants reach 12 to 36 inches tall and spread 6 to 18 inches wide. Expect high maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
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.
Common questions
- When does Berula erecta bloom?
- Water-parsnip blooms from June through August, producing small white flowers arranged in umbrella-shaped clusters called umbels.
- What pollinators visit Water-parsnip?
- Berula erecta attracts a variety of pollinators including bees, flies, and beetles that visit its accessible white flowers.
- Where does Water-parsnip grow naturally?
- This aquatic plant is native to Michigan and grows in wetland habitats including marshes, stream edges, and other areas with consistently high moisture.
- What growing conditions does Berula erecta need?
- Water-parsnip requires high water conditions and can tolerate full sun to partial shade, making it ideal for wetland restoration projects and water gardens.
- Is Water-parsnip toxic to livestock?
- Water-parsnip is listed as toxic to grazing livestock such as cattle, sheep, and goats (slight severity) by the USDA PLANTS Database. This is separate from pet (dog and cat) toxicity.
- Is Water-parsnip HOA-friendly?
- Water-parsnip takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
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.
Ready to grow Water-parsnip? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz