Peruvian Primrose-Willow
ExplorePlants
Peruvian Primrose-Willow
ludwigia peruviana
The Peruvian Primrose-Willow (Ludwigia peruviana) is an eye-catching, semi-aquatic deciduous shrub native to wet areas of Central and South America. Though appreciated for its large, showy yellow flowers, it has gained notoriety worldwide as an aggressive, highly invasive wetland weed. It thrives in freshwater habitats, quickly forming dense, woody thickets that can choke out local native species, clog waterways, and alter fragile aquatic ecosystems.
Habitat: Typically found in wet environments such as freshwater marshes, swamps, lake margins, flooded pastures, and slow-moving streams.
Appearance
This robust shrub typically grows between 1 to 4 meters in height, featuring brownish-green stems covered in fine, soft hairs. It produces alternate, lance-shaped leaves that can reach up to 15 centimeters in length. The most distinctive features are its brilliant yellow flowers, which are 2 to 5 centimeters wide with 4 or 5 large, rounded petals surrounding a cluster of prominent stamens.
KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderMyrtalesFamilyOnagraceaeGenusLudwigia
Category
PlantsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
A single mature Peruvian Primrose-Willow plant can produce up to several million seeds in a single growing season.
Because of its ability to grow rapidly and form dense stands, it is known to block recreational boating and alter water flow in canals.
Its wood is so soft and spongy that it can be easily compressed, a physiological adaptation that keeps the plant lightweight in aquatic environments.
Special abilities
Ability
Hydrochoric Buoyancy
Produces seeds containing air pockets that allow them to float effortlessly on water currents, facilitating rapid downstream colonization.
Ability
Aerenchyma Formation
Develops specialized spongy tissue in its roots and stems that allows oxygen to reach underwater parts, ensuring survival in flooded environments.
Ability
Vegetative Regeneration
Can rapidly regenerate entire new plants from broken stem fragments that break off and float to new locations.
Measurements & details
- Length
- 100+ cm
- Lifespan
- 3+ years
Diet & Feeding
As a photoautotrophic plant, it produces its own energy using sunlight, carbon dioxide, water, and essential soil minerals through photosynthesis.
Primary Foods
- Sunlight
- Water
- Carbon Dioxide
- Nitrogen
- Phosphorus
Ecological connections
mutualism
Western Honey Bee
Apis mellifera
Provides nectar and pollen to foraging insects in wetland ecosystems.
competitor
Water Hyacinth
Eichhornia crassipes
Competes directly for space, sunlight, and aquatic nutrients.
eaten by
Water Primrose Flea Beetle
Altica litigata
The larvae and adults of this beetle feed heavily on the leaves of the plant.
Traits
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Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
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Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
No special safety notes yet.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to identify Peruvian Primrose-Willow?
The easiest way to identify Peruvian Primrose-Willow is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.
How long is Peruvian Primrose-Willow?
100+ cm
How long does Peruvian Primrose-Willow live?
3+ years
What does Peruvian Primrose-Willow eat?
As a photoautotrophic plant, it produces its own energy using sunlight, carbon dioxide, water, and essential soil minerals through photosynthesis.
Where is Peruvian Primrose-Willow usually found?
Typically found in wet environments such as freshwater marshes, swamps, lake margins, flooded pastures, and slow-moving streams.
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