The water celery of Sardinia is a Mediterranean species which is fairly common only in Sardinia and Corsica, being also present, but very rare, in Lazio (Pontine Marshes) and in Sicily. The life-cycle can be spent part in water, part on moist to dry soil. It grows in stagnant waters and along ditches, from sea level to approximately 1000 m. It is a characteristic species of the Mediterranean temporary ponds of Sardinia, where it forms dense populations in the central and intermediate belts. The genus name comes from the Greek 'helos' (marsh) and 'skiadion' (umbrella) and therefore means 'umbrella of the marshes'; the species name, which in Latin means 'with a swollen foot' refers to the peduncles of the umbels, that are clearly swollen at the base. Flowering period: April to June.

Italian name(s): Sedano di Sardegna (Italia).