Botanical Name: Oenanthe Javanica
Some other names: Water dropwort, Water Parsley, Chinese Celery
How to Grow It
Water celery is a creeping perennial that forms mats of fine stems and leaves up to 30–50cm tall. Its bright green, feathery foliage makes it look like an ornamental herb, but don’t be fooled – this is a useful food plant.
Climate: Loves temperate to subtropical climates. In warm regions, it’ll stay green year-round; in colder spots it will die back in frost but bounce back in spring.
Sun: Handles full sun or partial shade – in really hot weather a bit of shade keeps the leaves tender.
Water: True to its name, water celery loves moisture. It thrives in boggy soils, along pond edges, or in a bucket with a bit of water in the bottom. It will still grow in drier conditions but the stems can get stringy and growth slows.
Best planting time: Any time in warm climates; spring in cooler ones.
Propagation: Dead easy. Just yank up a piece of the plant (roots and all) and plonk it into its new home – it’ll settle in instantly if kept watered.
Container growing? Perfect for buckets, tubs, or Styrofoam boxes. For best results, drill drainage holes a few centimetres above the base so a shallow water reservoir remains. Keep an eye on the roots though – they’ll fill a container fast.
Garden tip: It spreads rapidly if it’s happy. This can be a bonus for a survival garden, but if you want to keep it contained, grow it in pots or harvest it hard and often.
Herbal & Nutrient Value
Water celery is seriously nutritious for something that grows like a weed.
- Nutrients: The leaves and stems are packed with vitamins A, B, and C, plus iron, calcium, phosphorus, and potassium – great for immunity, bones, and overall vitality.
- The white roots are edible too, and while not as nutrient-dense, they provide some carbohydrate and fibre.
- Traditional uses: In parts of Asia, water celery has been used as a detox herb and mild diuretic, meaning it helps the body flush out excess fluid. It’s also been used to support digestion and soothe inflammation.
Traditional & Home Remedies
Water Celery Tea – Simmer handful of leaves for 10 min; used for kidney/bladder support.
Poultice for Swollen Joints – Crushed fresh leaves applied to bruises or swelling.
Detox Broth – Boiled with carrots, onion, and garlic; drunk as a cleansing tonic.
Herbal Bath Infusion – Leaves steeped in hot water; infusion added to bath for skin conditions.
Using It in the Kitchen
Water celery is one of those plants that can just slip into nearly any dish.
- Leaves: Tender, green, and slightly celery-flavoured. Great raw in salads, sandwiches, or garnishes.
- Stems: Crunchy and mild – chop finely for salads or leave in chunks for stir-fries. They hold their texture after cooking, which is a big plus.
- Roots: The white roots can be chopped into soups, curries, or stews – think of them like a delicate, herbal vegetable.
Harvest tip: Pick the younger stems for tenderness – older stems can get fibrous (just like regular celery).
Storage tip: Best eaten fresh from the garden. If you do need to store it, wrap in a damp cloth in the fridge for a few days.
Simple recipe ideas
– Garden Stir Fry: Toss chopped stems and leaves into a hot wok with garlic and soy – instant green boost.
– Crisp Herb Salad: Mix water celery leaves with cucumber, mint, and lime juice for a cooling summer salad.
– Brothy Noodle Soup: Add stems and roots to a simple broth for texture and flavour.
– Water Celery Pesto: Blitz the leaves with garlic, nuts, and oil for an earthy, herby spread.
– Omelette Filler: Wilt a handful of chopped leaves into an omelette right before folding.
Other Uses
- Aquatic helper: Excellent for planting around ponds or wet spots – it stabilises soil and stops erosion.
- Animal feed: Ducks, chickens, and guinea pigs love it.
- Garden mulch: Regular cuttings can be dropped around other plants for a nitrogen-rich mulch.
Why it’s a survival plant:
Water celery is almost impossible to kill, spreads easily, grows in boggy or damp areas, and provides a constant supply of edible greens. Even if your veggie garden is struggling with rain and bad weather, this plant will be there for you.
