Oenanthe javanica aka Chinese Celery

Taxonomy

Oenanthe javanica, commonly known as Java waterdropwort, water celery, water dropwort, Chinese celery, Indian pennywort, and Japanese (flat leaf) parsley, is a deciduous, moisture-loving, spreading perennial herb. It belongs to the Oenanthe genus and is native to East Asia, with a widespread distribution in temperate and tropical Asia. It is also found in Queensland, Australia. However, it should not be mistaken for plants like Cryptotaenia, also called "Japanese wild parsley," or Apium graveolens var. secalinum, known as "Chinese celery." This herb grows up to 1 meter in height and has fibrous roots emerging from all nodes. Its leaves are divided, toothed, and have a grey-green color with cream margins tinged with pink. In late summer, clusters of small, star-shaped white flowers adorn the plant. The leaves are aromatic, glabrous, and possess a sheath covering the stem, while the leaflets are crinkled and divided into lobes.

Common names

Chinese Celery, Indian Pennywort, Water Celery

How to care for Chinese Celery

Difficulty

Chinese Celery requires a bit more attention and knowledge to thrive, making it a suitable plant for those with some gardening experience.

Water

Chinese Celery should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Lighting

Chinese Celery requires abundant, bright and direct light. Placing it less than one foot from a window is the best way to make sure the plant receives enough light to survive and thrive. Depending on your region, however, the current weather can affect the placement of the plant in your home. For example, in some areas the sun may be too direct and intense, so it's best to place it farther away from the window. You may also need to adjust your placement according to the season as the sunlight can change intensity over the course of the year. If you live in a region with significant temperature fluctuations, such as a desert, you may need to place the plant a bit farther away from the window to avoid extreme heat or cold. With some care and attention, your Chinese Celery will be sure to bring you many years of beauty and enjoyment.

Dormancy

During the cold period, it is common for Chinese Celery to go dormant and their growth may slow down, so waterings should be spaced out more during this period.

Toxicity

Ploi's records do not contain confirmed information on the toxicity of this particular plant. In the event of accidental ingestion of plant material with questionable toxicity by you, a family member, or a pet, it is always a good idea to consult a healthcare professional.

Region of origin

Chinese Celery’s native range is E. Asia - China, Japan, Korea to Australia.


More info:
Wikipedia