PlantFiles: Water Celery, Water Parsley
Oenanthe javanica

But then, I'm trying to preserve native ecosystem where possible. Also called Java dropwort, this plant has shown up unwanted in wild areas in Arlington & Fairfax Counties, Virginia, forming a monoculture in part-sun, wet places but surviving through drought times. In bloom Aug-Sept.

Great plant, very easy to grow in a pond or bog environment with enough sunshine. It has a tendancy to be a little invasive but is easily controlled as the runners are brittle and easily trimmed back by hand.

This plant is an important vegetable in Vietnam (rau can nuoc). It has a strong celery flavour, used on soups, salads and fresh dishes.

I too have used this plant as part of my biofilter. It grows among lava rock and provides filtration for the water flowing down the water fall. The location only receives only about two hours of late afternoon filtered sun and the plant seems to be thriving(1st year).

This has been a great addition to the bog filter, where its roots have helped clean the pond water. I understand fish like to nibble on it, too but they can't get to mine. Maybe next year I'll have enough for two pots, and can put one directly in the pond.