Water Primrose, Creeping Water Primrose

Ludwigia peploides (Kunth) P.H. Raven

(formerly Jussiaea repens Ktze.)

Onagraceae (Evening Primrose Family)

▲▼ young plants submersed in water

▲ mature, flowering plants and flower

Water Primrose:

·         U.S. and Central and South American native, rooted floating to rooting emergent creeping perennial with straplike alternate leaves and bright-yellow, 5-petalled flowers in the Evening Primrose family (Onagraceae)

·         Produces creeping roots and stolons

·         Stems and flowers are held above water surface

·         Produces spongy “air roots” to get more oxygen to submerged portions of plants

·         Can be invasive and take over shallow water areas in Missouri