Wingleaf Primrose-willow (Decurrens)

The Wingleaf Primrose-willow (Decurrens) is generally described as a perennial forb/herb. This is native to the U.S. (United States) has its most active growth period in the summer . The greatest bloom is usually observed in the mid summer, with fruit and seed production starting in the summer and continuing until fall. Leaves are not retained year to year. The Wingleaf Primrose-willow (Decurrens) has a short life span relative to most other plant species and a rapid growth rate. At maturity, the typical Wingleaf Primrose-willow (Decurrens) will reach up to 4.5 feet high, with a maximum height at 20 years of 0 inches.

The Wingleaf Primrose-willow (Decurrens) is not commonly available from nurseries, garden stores and other plant dealers and distributors. It can be propagated by sprigs. It has a slow ability to spread through seed production and the seedlings have low vigor. Note that cold stratification is not required for seed germination and the plant cannot survive exposure to temperatures below 7°F. has none tolerance to drought and restricted water conditions.

Uses of : Landscaping, Medicinal, Culinary, etc.

The common name primrose comes from the flower’s resemblance to evening primroses (Oenothera species), since most have 4 petals. The more woody species of Ludwigia are very good browse for deer, goats, sheep and cattle. In fact, this species is rarely found in overgrazed pastures.

General Characteristics

General: Evening Primrose Family (Onagraceae). Ludwigia decurrens, a native, is the tallest water primrose, reaching a height of 3-6 feet. This perennial is somewhat “woody”, which is unusual for species of water primroses. It is considered an annual to perennial. It also stands upright in contrast to most Ludwigia species, which trail along the ground or water. The leaves are usually linear (hence the name willow primrose), alternate, and entire. The flowers are yellow with 4-5 petals (usually 4). Also, common to the Ludwigia genus is the “seed box” located immediately below the flower. In fact, some refer to the entire genus as “seedboxs.” Willow primrose has a very distinctive stem that is 4-winged and can be distinguished from all other water primroses by this unique characteristic.

There are approximately 11 species of Ludwigia in Texas. All species are found in wet sites and all but one species have yellow flowers. Six species have erect growth habits. Vegetatively, Ludwigia alternifolia is the most similar, but it does not have the distinctive winged stems and the seedbox is not nearly as long. Ludwigia decurrens has one of the longer “seedboxs” of all Ludwigia, attaining lengths of up to ¾ inch.

Required Growing Conditions

Found from Texas and Florida to Pennsylvania and Michigan. For current distribution, please consult the Plant Profile page for this species on the PLANTS Web site.

General Upkeep and Control

LUNO"Lupines are most valuable because of the masses of nitrogen fixing bacteria, which live in nodules on their roots and convert the free nitrogen of the atmosphere into compounds that are essential to plant and animal growth (Moldenke 1949). "