Photo: zebedeugalinhaCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Hemlock Water Dropwort Plant Care
Oenanthe crocata L.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This plant's glossy, dark green leaves are its most distinctive feature, showcasing a sharp contrast against its white flowers. Originating from Europe and North Africa, Oenanthe crocata is highly sought after by plant collectors for its unique appearance and ability to thrive in wet environments.
Every 3–7 days
Partial shade to full sun
60–75°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Hemlock Water Dropwort?
Water Hemlock Water Dropwort every 3–7 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it partial shade to full sun. It prefers temperatures of 60–75°F (16–24°C) and 50–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 2 months during the growing season. It is reported as toxic to pets, so keep it out of reach of pets.
Where Is the Hemlock Water Dropwort Native To?
- Albania
- Algeria
- Armenia
- Austria
- Azerbaijan
- Bahrain
- Belarus
- Belgium
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Bulgaria
- Croatia
- Cyprus
- Czechia
- Denmark
- Egypt
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Georgia
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Iran
- Iraq
- Ireland
- Israel
- Italy
- Jordan
- Kuwait
- Latvia
- Lebanon
- Libya
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Moldova
- Montenegro
- Morocco
- North Macedonia
- Norway
- Oman
- Palestine
- Poland
- Portugal
- Qatar
- Romania
- Russia
- Saudi Arabia
- Serbia
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Syria
- The Netherlands
- Tunisia
- Türkiye
- UAE
- Ukraine
- United Kingdom
- Yemen
What Is the Hemlock Water Dropwort?
Hemlock Water Dropwort (Oenanthe crocata) belongs to the Apiaceae family within the Oenanthe genus. Hemlock Water Dropwort is native to Europe, North Africa and western Asia. Hemlock Water Dropwort is also known as Hemlock Water-dropwort, Hemlock Water Parsley, Hemlock.
Hemlock Water Dropwort displays a spreading groundcover growth habit, reaching up to 2 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Hemlock Water Dropwort produces small white flowers in umbels.
Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Hemlock Water Dropwort?
Oenanthe crocata requires watering every 3–7 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 3–7 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Hemlock Water Dropwort Need?
Hemlock Water Dropwort thrives in partial shade to full sun.
Light Requirement
Partial shade to full sun
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Hemlock Water Dropwort Prefer?
Oenanthe crocata grows best at temperatures of 60–75°F. Hemlock Water Dropwort prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
60–75°F
Humidity
50–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Hemlock Water Dropwort?
Moist, fertile soil with good drainage. Good drainage is essential for Hemlock Water Dropwort to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Hemlock Water Dropwort?
Feed Hemlock Water Dropwort every 2 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 2 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Hemlock Water Dropwort?
Divide and repot every 2-3 years in spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Hemlock Water Dropwort?
Hemlock Water Dropwort can be propagated through division, seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to fine-leaved water dropwort plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Hemlock Water Dropwort Toxic to Pets and Children?
Toxic (caution)
Reported as toxic in our plant data. Not verified by the ASPCA.
Toxic to humans and pets if ingested
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Hemlock Water Dropwort?
Hemlock Water Dropwort is susceptible to aphids, caterpillars, spider mites. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Hemlock Water Dropwort Need?
Hemlock Water Dropwort grows outdoors in USDA Zone 8a – 10b. It survives winters down to planting zone 8a. Hemlock Water Dropwort is native to Europe, North Africa and western Asia.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 8a – 10b
Keep exploring plants
Hemlock Water Dropwort is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Oenanthe genus — compare its care with other Oenanthe species on PlantoScan.
Oenanthe is part of the Apiaceae plant family — browse all Apiaceae genera and species.
Hemlock Water Dropwort thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Oenanthe Species
Other Oenanthe species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Oenanthe crocata L., family Apiaceae (first published in Sp. Pl. : 254 (1753)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Hemlock Water Dropwort is reported as toxic to pets in our plant data (not verified by the ASPCA), so treat it with caution. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Photo: zebedeugalinha, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 8a – 10b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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