Ludwigia spp.

USDA, NRCS. 2018. The PLANTS Database (http://plants.usda.gov, 28 March 2018). National Plant Data Team, Greensboro, NC 27401-4901 USA.
Illustration courtesy of University of Florida/IFAS Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants. Used with permission.

What is Water Primrose?

Physical Characteristics

Leaves:

Oval- or sword-shaped
Up to 6 inches long
Covered on both sides by small, soft hairs

Flowers:

Flower in all seasons, except winter
4-5 petals
Yellow in color

Stem:

Branched
Sometimes covered in long hairs
Spongy when in water

Where Does it Grow?

EDDMapS. 2024. Early Detection & Distribution Mapping System. The University of Georgia – Center for Invasive Species and Ecosystem Health. Available online at http://www.eddmaps.org/; last accessed Apr 5, 2024.

Water primrose can be found in shallow marshes, ponds and ditches.

Pros and Cons of Water Primrose

Ducks and other waterfowl will consume the seeds of water primrose. Submerged portions of all aquatic plants provide habitats for many micro and macro invertebrates. These invertebrates in turn are used as food by fish and other wildlife species (e.g. amphibians, reptiles, ducks, etc). After aquatic plants die, their decomposition by bacteria and fungi provides food (called “detritus”) for many aquatic invertebrates.