November 3, 2022

This is Ludwigia peruviana

It's invasive and spreads prolifically

It's hydrophobic and can germinate while floating

And can produce millions of seeds.

Location: Orlando Wetlands Park, Christmas, FL

Sources: https://plants.ifas.ufl.edu/plant-directory/ludwigia-peruviana/

Photo and text © 2022 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

August 30, 2020

This is a Peruvian Primrose-Willow,
It's an invasive exotic found near ditches and canals
It is native in South America
But has invaded southern US locales.

Location: Fellsmere, St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park

Sources: https://www.fws.gov/fisheries/ANS/erss/highrisk/ERSS-Ludwigia-peruviana-FINAL.pdf

Photo and text © 2020 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

October 10, 2018

Location: Sebastian, Rails to Trails

This is Ludwigia peruviana
It's an exotic, and it's spread is wide.
But it took many years to determine
The "Invasive, Class 1" label should be applied.

(The article linked below is a fascinating account of the detective work that goes into declaring whether or not a plant is native.)

Sources: Native or Not: Studies of problematic species - Primrose Willow Ludwigia peruviana

Photo and text © 2018 Dee Fairbanks Simpson