Peruvian Primrose

Ludwigia peruviana

Non-Native

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 Peruvian Water Primrose?

Physical Characteristics

Leaves:

• Young leaves are hairy
• Alternate
• 1.97-4.73 inches long
• 0.4-1.18 inches wide
• Stalkless
• Oval shaped

Flowers:

• 0.79-1.57 inches across
• Single
• Bright yellow
• 4-5 petals
• 4-5 sepals
• Large sepals

Fruit:

• Reddish-brown in color
• Sepals turn reddish-brown when fruit is ripe
• 4-angled
• Dry seed pod

Stem:

• 6-12 feet long
• Young stems are hairy and rounded
• Green or brownish-green in color
• Branching

Where Does it Grow?

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

Pros and Cons of Water Primrose

This plant is not native to North America and should not be introduced into new water bodies and should be treated with herbicide when present.