The weed is highly invasive, produces vast quantities of seeds and survives under a wide range of hydrological and climatic conditions.
"Farmers have to keep an eye out for this weed, and let us know if they think they have it," said Luis Espino, UC Cooperative Extension advisor in Colusa, Glenn and Yolo counties, a rice production expert.
Unlike other waterprimroses, the winged primrose willow can grow within flooded rice fields, which makes it even more problematic for local farmers if it should get established in this area, Espino said.