Perennials from rhizomes, occasionally with tubers. Erect Long-stalked leaves with scalloped margins. Petiole in center of leaf, "umbrella-like". Flowers in elongated spikes of rounded umbels at top of long stalk. Fruit greenish, rounded and somewhat flattened. Found in moist to wet sites or anywhere moisture is in excess. Reproduces by seed, rhizomes and tubers. Occurs from Maine south into Florida, and west to Minnesota and Texas, Utah, Arizona and California. Also found in Nova Scotia, British Columbia, the West Indies, Mexico, Central and South America, southern Europe and Tropical Africa.