Berula erecta

Berula erecta, also known as Water parsnip or Wild watercress, is a semi-aquatic perennial plant is a European native. It forms a medium-sized clump of lanceolate leaves of medium green colour and blooms in summer with small umbels of white flowers. It grows underwater and can rise up to 50cm (20in) above the water surface. A hardy deciduous perennial, it prefers a sunny exposure and does not tolerate acidic environments and soils.

Berula erecta belongs to the Apiaceae family. Native to Europe, it is found in the northern hemisphere (Europe, North America, North and Central Asia) and Australia. In France, it is present in certain regions, endemic to the north, but completely absent or rare in other regions. It grows in fresh and shallow waters with neutral to limestone medium, along the edges of rivers or ponds. It is a deciduous perennial, stoloniferous, reaching 50cm (20in) in all directions, with an upright and bushy habit. Its stems are hollow, its submerged leaves are pinnate and smooth, while its emergent leaves are toothed and with more leaflets, of medium green colour. It blooms in June and July with white umbels measuring 3 to 6cm (1 to 2in) in diameter, composed of umbels opposite to the leaves. The flowers have 5 petals and 5 stamens. The fruit is a small and almost globose achene. When crushed, the plant's scent resembles that of parsley.

Plant Berula erecta in normal, loose soil with a neutral pH, submerged from 0 to 20cm (1 to 8in) deep, in full sun or partial shade. It is perfectly hardy. Companion it with other small to medium-sized bankside plants such as Acorus, Carex grayi, Water plantain or Dwarf globeflower.

Watercress often grows right next to or even intertwined with Water parsnip.