Lesser water-parsnip (family Apiaceae) grows in or beside shallow water of moderate fertility across much of Europe (including Britain, where it is common in the south-west), Asia, Australia and North America. It reaches about 1 m out of water, with a hollow stem, toothed emersed leaves, compound heads of small white flowers and a carrot or parsnip smell when crushed. Underwater it forms finely divided, thread-lobed leaves, and in winter it can be entirely submerged. Wikipedia says nothing about aquarium use. The submerged form can make a fresh-green, feathery plant for cool tanks, while emersed plants suit pond margins. Some members of the carrot family are poisonous, so do not eat it. Water figures are our estimate, not from the sources. It is a temperate plant for coldwater tanks and ponds rather than tropical aquariums. Sources: Wikipedia (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Berulaerecta); Wikipedia, List of freshwater aquarium plant species. Checked October 2026.
Breeding
By runners and offsets from the base, or by seed.
Compatibility and tank mates
Suits coldwater tanks and ponds. Goldfish may graze the soft underwater leaves.
Last updated 8 October 2026. Community-edited care guide on Aquatic-Auctions.
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Items are sold by auction, buy it now or classified advert, by hobbyist and business sellers in the UK.
Buyers pay sellers directly; Aquatic-Auctions does not hold the money. Hobbyist sellers must offer PayPal and may also take cash on collection. Business sellers take PayPal (required) or cash on collection, and bank transfer only once they have a seller rating of 50 out of 100, a company and pet-selling licence checked by Aquatic-Auctions, a bank account in the company's name, and bank details approved by Aquatic-Auctions.
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Live fish and other vertebrates must be sent by specialist live-animal couriers (for example APC Overnight or DX Express), never by Royal Mail. Some invertebrates and plants may go by Royal Mail Special Delivery or 1st Class within its rules.
Banned and invasive species (for example those on the GB invasive species lists) cannot be listed, and sellers must meet the site’s animal welfare standards.
Members must be 16 or over to buy (16 and 17-year-olds with a parent or guardian’s agreement); sellers must be 18 or over.
Business sellers show their address, company details and pet-selling licence to buyers. Seller ratings run from 0 to 100: +1 for each positive feedback, −1 for each negative.
The site includes a free community species wiki with care guides (water parameters, tank size, diet, temperament, breeding).
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