Helosciadium
( hee - loh - SIGH - uh - dum )
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At-A-Glance InformationThis genus of herbaceous flowering plants, known commonly as Marshwort, includes species native to Europe to Central Asia, Pakistan Macaronesia, the Arabian Peninsula, and Tanzania. They form low-growing, scrambling or trailing plants with green foliage, fleshy stems, and heads of tiny white flowers in spring and summertime. It is considered a 'wild green' or forage plant, though looks very similar to a few toxic species, so correct identification is critical. Grow these plants as members of edible gardens, to line depressed areas or rain gardens, or as groundcover in wet, shady areas.
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Helosciadium Species and Varietals
The genus Helosciadium is a member of the plant family Apiaceae, and includes 8 species. They are closely related to species in the genus Apium. The best growing zones for Helosciadium plants are USDA hardiness zones 5-11. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.
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Helosciadium nodiflorum (Apium nodiflorum) (Fool's Watercress) This species is native to ditches, streams and wetlands in western Europe. It forms a low-growing to prostrate hairless perennial herbaceous plant up to 3 feet tall. Roots are produced at nodes. Flowers are white. These plants are harvested and consumed in Spain, Italy, Portugal and Morocco. Young leaves and tender shoots are edible, typically added to salads, boiled, or used as a condiment for soups or other dishes. This species is considered invasive in New Zealand and Chile and has become a problem in irrigation channels and canals in Morocco and France. |
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Caring for Helosciadium
Helosciadium, or Marshwort, plants are most commonly grown from seed. These plants require full sun for best performance; plant in a spot in the garden that receives between 6 and 8 hours of sun each day. Provide afternoon shade in warmer climates. If local soils are particularly poor or do not drain well, make sure to amend the planting area with plenty of organic material or compost before sowing seeds or transplanting starts. Apium plants grow best in soil that has a pH of between 6.0 and 7.2. Apply a layer of mulch around the planting area to suppress weed growth, maintain consistent soil temperatures, and to increase soil moisture retention.
Water regularly to ensure that the soil stays consistently moist during the growing season. As a general rule of thumb, water whenever the top inch or two of soil feels dry to the touch. Prune at any time during the growing season to remove dead, damaged, or diseased foliage. Towards the end of the growing season when temperatures rise, these plants will flower. At this point, leaves are not as palatable and plants can either be allowed to come to seed or be pulled and composted. Helosciadium plants are considered perennials, though they are made up of creeping stolons that are individually short-lived (surviving for about 4 months).
Harvesting Helosciadium
Harvest young leaves and shoots in spring or fall before flowering occurs. These plant parts are used in salads or soups and are best used fresh, having a pleasant taste similar to a mixture of Celery, Carrot greens, and Parsley. They are crisp, slightly sweet, and have an earthy flavor. Helosciadium are 'cut and come again' herbs, and will continue to produce new shoots and leaves as plants creep across wet areas of the landscape. The best time to harvest is in the early morning, after dew has dried but before the heat of the day sets in. Using clean snips or kitchen scissors, cut young leaves and shoots from the plant. Rinse, and then use fresh in salads or add to cooked dishes.
Disclaimer: Information contained on this website is strictly and categorically intended as a reference to be used in conjunction with experts in your area. Foraging and consumption of plant parts should never begin without the guidance and approval of a local plant specialist. The providers of this website accept no liability for the use or misuse of information contained in this website.
Water regularly to ensure that the soil stays consistently moist during the growing season. As a general rule of thumb, water whenever the top inch or two of soil feels dry to the touch. Prune at any time during the growing season to remove dead, damaged, or diseased foliage. Towards the end of the growing season when temperatures rise, these plants will flower. At this point, leaves are not as palatable and plants can either be allowed to come to seed or be pulled and composted. Helosciadium plants are considered perennials, though they are made up of creeping stolons that are individually short-lived (surviving for about 4 months).
Harvesting Helosciadium
Harvest young leaves and shoots in spring or fall before flowering occurs. These plant parts are used in salads or soups and are best used fresh, having a pleasant taste similar to a mixture of Celery, Carrot greens, and Parsley. They are crisp, slightly sweet, and have an earthy flavor. Helosciadium are 'cut and come again' herbs, and will continue to produce new shoots and leaves as plants creep across wet areas of the landscape. The best time to harvest is in the early morning, after dew has dried but before the heat of the day sets in. Using clean snips or kitchen scissors, cut young leaves and shoots from the plant. Rinse, and then use fresh in salads or add to cooked dishes.
Disclaimer: Information contained on this website is strictly and categorically intended as a reference to be used in conjunction with experts in your area. Foraging and consumption of plant parts should never begin without the guidance and approval of a local plant specialist. The providers of this website accept no liability for the use or misuse of information contained in this website.
Propagation
Problems and Pests
These plants are considered invasive in some regions; see the species descriptions above for more information. Check with local authorities before planting. Helosciadium plants are resilient in the landscape, though they can have issues with the following pests and diseases from time to time:
- Aphids
Gallery
These plants are commonly seen growing along waterways.
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Seed heads form where small white flowers once bloomed.
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These trees and shrubs produce delicate green leaves, pink flowers, and red seed pods.
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