Berula erecta, commonly known as lesser water-parsnip or cutleaf waterparsnip, is a perennial herb native to a wide range of wetland habitats including stream banks, pond margins, and marshes across Europe, Asia, Australia, and North America. It typically grows to about 3 feet tall and thrives in shallow aquatic environments with moderate nutrient levels. The plant features hollow stems and finely dissected, compound underwater leaves with thread-like lobes, while the leaves above water are broader and less divided. During the summer months, Berula erecta produces small, showy white flowers arranged in a compound umbel, which can attract various pollinators.

Lesser water-parsnip is valued for its ability to adapt to wet soil conditions and is often used in water gardens, riparian plantings, and for naturalizing wet areas. It is also recognized for its potential medicinal uses, as the Zuni people have utilized it for various treatments, and it contains essential oils with antifungal, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties. In cultivation, it prefers full sun to part shade, requires consistently moist to wet soil, and can tolerate a range of soil types provided they are well-watered. It is relatively low-maintenance but should be monitored for potential spread in ideal conditions.CC BY-SA 4.0