Greater water-parsnip (Sium latifolium) care guide

Group
Plants
Other names
Great water-parsnip, Wideleaf waterparsnip
Family
Apiaceae (carrot family)
Origin
Much of Europe (including Britain), Kazakhstan and Siberia
Water
freshwater
Maximum size
200 cm
Temperature
5–22°C
pH
6.5–8
Hardness
5–20 dGH
Care level
expert
Lighting
Medium to high light; full sun emersed

Care

Sium latifolium (greater water-parsnip) is a tall European perennial of swamps and lake shores, sometimes growing in the water itself. The hollow, grooved flowering stem reaches about 2 m, with large pinnate leaves up to about 30 cm on hollow stalks that clasp the stem. Our sources say nothing about aquarium use. Submerged juvenile leaves can be kept for a time in cool tanks, but it is essentially a marginal plant for ponds and wildlife wetlands. Water figures are our estimate, not from the sources. Caution: the rootstock is acrid and poisonous. It is a coldwater plant that does poorly in tropical aquaria. Sources: Wikipedia (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Siumlatifolium); Wikipedia, List of freshwater aquarium plant species. Checked October 2026.

Breeding

Not covered by our sources. Like other water-parsnips it sets seed in umbels and can be raised from seed sown on wet soil; established clumps can be divided.

Compatibility and tank mates

Best in a pond margin or coldwater set-up; it does poorly in tropical tanks. Keep away from grazing animals and pets.

Last updated 8 October 2026. Community-edited care guide on Aquatic-Auctions.

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