Common Name(s): | Creeping water primrose, Water primrose |
Scientific Name: | Ludwigia peploides |
Family: | Onagraceae |
Growth Traits: | Native, perennial, warm season |
Description: A branching plant with elliptical leaves about 2 inches long. Creeping water primrose produces showy yellow flowers in early summer and is used in landscaping. Water primrose is rooted along the bank and floats on top of the water as the stems grow away from the bank. It is limited to water less than about 4 feet deep and is usually a desired plant species to have in an impoundment. The plant provides good habitat for invertebrates, which are eaten by fish and waterfowl, and the seeds are eaten by waterfowl. It provides fish fry and fingerling cover. |
Chemical Control Options: 2,4-D, glyphosate, triclopyr, imazapyr, imazamox or diquat |
Mechanical Control Options: Cutting is only temporarily effective because it regrows from roots and plant fragments. |
Biological Control Options: Diploid grass carp control it, but the effectiveness of triploid grass carp is less certain. The native water primrose flea beetle also reduces stands of water primrose, but we are not aware of a commercial source of the beetle. |