Scientific name:  Ludwigia

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?

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.

 

USDA, NRCS. 2018. The PLANTS Database (http://plants.usda.gov, 28 March 2018). National Plant Data Team, Greensboro, NC 27401-4901 USA.

 

Information and photos courtesy of AquaPlant A Diagnostics Tool for Pond Plants and Algae.