Description

Members of the carrot family can be difficult to identify when first encountered. Corky-fruited water-dropwort is hairless, the leaves are 2 to 3 times pinnate with the upper ones consisting of narrow linear leaflets. The stem is solid, ridged, un-spotted and up to 1m high. The umbel of white or pink flowers has stout rays and is flat topped when in fruit. Flowering occurs from June to August.

Habitat Information

Corky-fruited water-dropwort is a native perennial of hay meadows and pastures, particularly those grazed by horses. It is usually found growing on acidic soils and will tolerate both damp and dry conditions. It’s natural range is relatively restrictive, being centred around the counties of Somerset, Dorset and Hampshire but where it does occur it can be very abundant.

Growing Information

The seed is best sown in the autumn. Although commonly found in hay meadows and grazed land, it should be pointed out that this species, in common with other members of the water-dropwort genus, is poisonous and so care should be taken when growing it on land grazed by stock.