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Seedbox, Smooth Seedbox, Bushy Seedbox, Rattle-box, Square-pod Water-primrose - Ludwigia alternifolia


Family: Onagraceae - Evening Primrose family Genus Common Name: Primrose-willow Native Status: NativeDicot Perennial Herb
Ludwigia alternifolia - Seedbox, Smooth Seedbox, Bushy Seedbox, Rattle-box, Square-pod Water-primrose. Ludwidigia alternifolia is a plant found in swamps and other moist areas throughout much of the eastern United States and on west into Colorado. It grows to three or four feet tall, although it may have a tendency to recline on other plants, blooming from mid- to late summer.

Thanks to Twitter friend @PineLilyFNPS for the tip that Ludwigia species are larval hosts for the Banded Sphinx Moth - Eumorpha fasciatus

Found in:
AL, AR, CO, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, MI, MO, MS, NC, NE, NJ, NY, OH, OK, PA, RI, SC, TN, TX, VA, VT, WI, WV

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Ludwigia alternifolia

Distribution of Ludwigia alternifolia in the United States and Canada:
Map unavailable.
Map courtesy of The Biota of North America Program.
Map color key

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Site: Walker County, GA Date: 2011-July-22Photographer: Gerald C. Williamson
Nikon D7000
Tamron SP 90MM f/2.8 AF Macro
The four yellow petals of the 1/2" to 3/4" blossom are easily knocked off. When I first spotted this plant on my property, I made a note to go back and photograph it later. When I did, much to my chagrin, the petals were all laying on the ground. Fortunately it continued producing flowers for several weeks.
Ludwigia alternifolia

Site: Walker County, GA Date: 2011-July-22Photographer: Gerald C Williamson
Nikon D7000
The lanceolate leaves grow alternately on the frequently reddish stem. The leaves are entire (without teeth or lobes). The leaves and stem may be sparsely hairy, or may be glabrous (without hair.)
Click on the photo for a larger image
Ludwigia alternifolia

Site: Walker County, GA Date: 2011-July-30Photographer: Gerald C Williamson
Nikon D7000
Tamron SP 90MM f/2.8 AF Macro
The four-sided seed capsule gives Ludwigia alternifolia its most-used common name, "Seedbox." The seedbox will be brown later in the season.
Click on the photo for a larger image
Ludwigia alternifolia

Site: Walker County, GA Date: 2011-September-08Photographer: Gerald C Williamson
Nikon D7000
Tamron SP 90MM f/2.8 AF Macro
Ludwigia alternifolia's namesake seedbox.
Click on the photo for a larger image
Ludwigia alternifolia

Site: Walker County, GA Date: 2011-September-08Photographer: Gerald C Williamson
Ludwigia alternifolia's namesake seedbox.
Click on the photo for a larger image
Ludwigia alternifolia

Site: Walker County, GA Date: 2011-September-08Photographer: Gerald C Williamson
Nikon D7000
Ludwigia alternifolia's namesake seedbox.
Click on the photo for a larger image
Ludwigia alternifolia

References used for identification and information:
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Ludwigia alternifolia initially published on USWildflowers.com 2011-08-11; Updated 2018-04-15

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All content except USDA Plants Database map Copyright Gerald C. Williamson 2024
Photographs Copyright owned by the named photographer



Code Update 20230302