Lesser Water Parsnip is a
native
perennial plant of the UK, typically found growing in water margins, marshes and wetlands, to a mature height of up to 100cm.
Lesser Water Parsnip grows in shallow flowing water and its leaves smell of parsnip when crushed, but it is not grown as a vegetable.
Botanic classification and naming: Lesser Water Parsnip is a member of the Carrot (Apiaceae) family. The genus name
'Berula' identifies the plant as a Water Parsnip and its species name 'erecta' means 'upright plant'.
Concerns: The highly toxic Water Hemlock may be mistaken for Lesser Water Parsnip. Lesser Water Parsnip is toxic to livestock.
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