Common Name: Wingleaf Primrose-willow
Scientific Name: Ludwigia decurrens
Order: Myrtales
Family: Onagraceae
Wetland Plant Status: Obligatory
Ecology & Description Wingleaf primrose-willow can reach a height of 3-6 feet, making it the tallest water primrose. It is a native species that stands upright, unlike other Ludwigia sp. that typically trail along water or ground. The leaves are linear and alternate with an entire margin. The flowers have 4-5 yellow petals with a “seedbox” directly below the flower. (Some researchers refer to the Ludwigia genus as the seedboxes.) Wingleaf primrose-willow can be distinguished from the other water primroses by its 4-winged stem. Wingleaf primrose-willow is not adapted to coarse textured soils. It is adapted to fine textured soils and medium textured soils. This water primrose is considered to have a high anaerobic tolerance.
Habitat Wingleaf primrose-willow occurs on saturated soils that typically only pond for short periods of time, such as 3-14 days. It is commonly found with smartweed and flat sedge. Typically, this water primrose is found on wetter sites than smooth seedbox (Ludwigia alternifolia), but dryer sites than most of the rest of the water primroses.
Distribution Wingleaf primrose-willow is found from Texas and Florida to Pennsylvania and Illinois.
Native/Invasive Status Wingleaf primrose-willow is native to the Southeastern United States.
Wildlife Uses Wingleaf primrose-willow is very good browse for deer, goats, cattle, and sheep. Waterfowl will also feed on the seeds of this plant.
Management & Control Techniques Wingleaf primrose-willow can be found as individual plants within a variety of other species, but in some cases it can dominate the plant community. Management practices vary depending upon the number of plants. Because wingleaf primrose-willow is good browse, it is typical not viewed as a nuisance.
References Davis, L. 2003. Plant Guide: Willow Primrose. United States Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service. Online.
This document was authored by Onalise Hill, School of Forestry, Louisiana Tech University, February 2015.