Water Primrose
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Scientific Name
Ludwigia spp. - Visit ITIS for full scientific classification.
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Description
Creeping water primrose mat in bloom. Joseph DiTomaso. © 2005 Regents, University of California
Creeping water primrose flower close-up. Joseph DiTomaso. © 2005 Regents, University of California
Uruguay water primrose clogging canal. Joseph DiTomaso. © 2005 Regents, University of California
Uruguay water primrose flower close-up. Joseph DiTomaso. © 2005 Regents, University of California- Floating, rooted waterweeds form tangled mats.
- Species are difficult to distinguish and may be found together.
- Yellow or white flowers occur singly on stalks; leaves have a short stalk.
- Uruguay (L. hexapetala) and creeping (L. peploides subspecies montevidensis) water primroses are profiled by Cal-IPC - see link below.
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Habitat
- Freshwater ditches, canals, ponds, banks of streams, edges of lakes and other freshwater habitats.
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Invasion Pathways and Distribution
- Introduced from South America and found in much of California.
- Sometimes sold as an ornamental aquarium or pond plant.
- Seed and stem pieces are spread by movement of water and soil and by clinging to animals.
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Life History
- Creeping water primrose produces seed but seedlings are rarely seen.
- Uruguay water primrose has 80 chromosomes versus 16 for creeping water primrose.
- They also reproduce from stem pieces and creeping stems.
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Impacts
- Dense mats interfere with water flow in irrigation canals and drainage ditches.
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References and Useful Links
For references by category and links to other useful AIS sites see our LEARN MORE page.
