Minari (water dropwort) Oenanthe javanica
Minari (water dropwort) (Oenanthe javanica) is an evergreen perennial vegetable in the Apiaceae family, native to East and South-east Asia. It grows 20–50 cm (8–20 in) tall and 30–60 cm (12–24 in) wide, wants part sun to part shade and high water, and is hardy to about -15 °C (5 °F). Space plants about 20 cm (8 in) apart.
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Minari (water dropwort) at a glance
| Type | Perennial vegetable, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Apiaceae |
| Mature height | 20–50 cm (8–20 in) |
| Mature spread | 30–60 cm (12–24 in) |
| Spacing | 20 cm (8 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Part sun to part shade, at least 4 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | High; drought tolerance none, waterlogging tolerance high |
| Soil pH | 5.5–7.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -15 °C (5 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 7) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 32 °C (90 °F) |
| Flowering | from about July for 4–7 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Yes: stems and leaves (namul, stews, kimchi) |
| Native to | East and South-east Asia |
| Common in gardens of | 🇰🇷 South Korea, 🇯🇵 Japan, 🇨🇳 China, 🇻🇳 Vietnam, 🇮🇩 Indonesia |
Is Minari (water dropwort) toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
Do not confuse with hemlock water dropwort (Oenanthe crocata), which is deadly.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Minari (water dropwort)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like part sun to part shade and high water.
Questions about Minari (water dropwort)
- How far apart should I plant Minari (water dropwort)?
- About 20 cm (8 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 30–60 cm (12–24 in).
- Does Minari (water dropwort) need full sun?
- Part sun to part shade: at least 4 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Minari (water dropwort) need?
- High water. Drought tolerance is none and waterlogging tolerance high.
- How cold-hardy is Minari (water dropwort)?
- It tolerates about -15 °C (5 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 7.
- When does Minari (water dropwort) flower?
- From about July for 4–7 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Minari (water dropwort) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. Do not confuse with hemlock water dropwort (Oenanthe crocata), which is deadly.
- What grows well with Minari (water dropwort)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Minari (water dropwort). Group it with plants that like the same sun (part sun to part shade) and water (high).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- Korea National Arboretum: Korean plant names and distribution, Korea Forest Service
- Plants For A Future database, PFAF
Notes and assumptions
- Grows in wet ground and shallow water; spreads by runners. Celery-parsley flavour.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
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- Parsnip Pastinaca sativa
- Celeriac Apium graveolens var. rapaceum
- Florence fennel Foeniculum vulgare var. azoricum