Question: Found this late-flowering parsley family herb at moist margin of St. Moritz Ponds, Quincy on Aug. 16. With trifoilate leaves, …
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Question
Found this late-flowering parsley family herb at moist margin of St. Moritz Ponds, Quincy on Aug. 16. With trifoilate leaves, flattened rays, bracteate umbellets, and bifid white petals.
Answer
Dear ophis, you have photographed what appears to be a species of Oenanthe (water-dropwort), a member of the celery family. No member of this genus has ever been collected wild in New England (to my knowledge). While I can't tell you which species you have for certain, it is close to Oenanthe javanica (Java water-dropwort). The only way I can identify this for certain is to receive a specimen or more images that show additional plants and close-ups of the fruits. If you are willing to contact me at ahaines[at]newenglandwild.org, we can strategize a way to make sure your discovery becomes part of the museum record here in New England.
