Water Plants
Oenanthe javanica
Water celery
Finely divided green leaves make a lush, spreading mat in wet soil and shallow water. Useful as soft-textured pond-edge foliage, but its wandering roots need containment to prevent it taking over neighboring plantings.
At a glance
- Sun
- Sun to part shade
- Pond placement
- Contained pond margin or bog.
- Winter care
- Hardy perennial locally; contain its spreading roots throughout the year.
- Mature size
- Height: 9–30 in. (species range) · Spread: 1–3 ft.; spreading colonies
- Water
- Wet soil or shallow water
- Bloom
- Small white umbels; summer.
Sizes & prices
- 6''$16.99
Catalog updated September 8, 2026. This is not a live stock count; please call to confirm availability and price.
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Resistance & tolerances
- Wet soil
- Tolerates wet soil and shallow water.
Keep in mind: Treat catalog plants as ornamental, not food. Related water-dropworts can be dangerously poisonous; never forage by common name.
Water garden care
- Planting method
- Aquatic basket for pond-edge planting; keep spreading roots contained.
- Spread
- Grow in a basket and remove escaping runners.
- Pruning
- Trim excess foliage and divide when crowded.
Sources & photo credits
Reviewed September 27, 2026. Growing conditions vary by location.