Weeds: Water primrose – Ludwigia uruguayensis (L. hexapetala)

categories: Weeds

revision date: 2022-12-18 12:00

Water primrose with flowers.
Water primrose with flowers
Photo by: Washington Noxious Weed Board slide collection
  • Family: Onagraceae
  • Cycle: Perennial
  • Plant type: Broadleaf aquatic

Biology

Water primrose is a perennial aquatic herb. Stems sprawl or grow horizontally to erect on water or mud, rooting freely at the nodes to form large, dense, tangled mats. Early growth consists of rosette-like clusters of rounded, smooth, shiny leaves on the water surface. At maturity, the alternate leaves are longer, hairy, and somewhat willow-like in appearance. The erect flowering stems are woody and reddish, often splitting along their length. They can rise to 3 feet above the water surface. The flowers are produced singly and have five (sometimes six) bright yellow petals. The flower is typically about one inch across. Water primrose reproduces by seed and also by plant fragments, which root freely in water or on damp soil. Water primrose is an aggressive and invasive aquatic species, forming extensive mats that impair water flow and shoreline activity. This species has the potential to dominate the shoreline vegetation if introduced to lakes, river, ponds, ditches or streams. It is very difficult to control once established. SPECIAL INFORMATION: In WASHINGTON and OREGON, water primrose is designated as a Class ‘B’ noxious weed. Management of this species may be required by law in your county. In addition, it is on the Washington noxious weed seed and plant quarantine list, which prohibits sale, purchase, and transport of plants, seeds, and plant parts. Floating primrose-willow (L. peploides) is a related species that is similar in appearance. It is a Class ‘A’ noxious weed in WASHINGTON; control is REQUIRED by state law. In OREGON, it is a Class ‘B’ noxious weed. Consult your local Noxious Weed Control Board for more information.

Habitat

Water primrose is an aquatic herb, found growing and rooted in areas of shallow water to about 3 feet deep, as well as along shorelines. It can withstand slowly flowing water. It favors the margins of lakes, ponds, ditches and streams.

Management Options

Use Integrated Pest Management (IPM) for successful plant problem management.

Non-chemical Management

Select non-chemical management options as your first choice!

  • Hand-pull to eliminate weeds.
  • Inorganic mulches, such as plastic, commercial “weed barrier” fabrics and other materials such as roofing paper, is an effective weed management option. Cover inorganic mulches with a thin layer of soil or organic mulch.

Chemical Management

IMPORTANT: Visit Home and Garden Fact Sheets for more information on using pesticides.

  • Digging and handpulling is only effective on very small infestations.
  • Applications should be made by those holding a current aquatic pest control license.
  • In Washington, a special permit is required for use of herbicides in aquatic sites.
  • Contact the Washington Department of Ecology or the Washington State Noxious Weed Control Board for more information.

Landscape areas

  • No products approved for use in landcapes.

Turf areas

  • No products approved for use in turf.

Bare ground areas

  • No products approved for use in bare ground.

Additional Image