Overview
Ludwigia alternifolia is an erect herbaceous perennial in the evening-primrose family (Onagraceae), growing 2–4 feet (60–120 cm) tall on smooth, reddish, much-branched stems. The narrow, lance-shaped leaves are arranged alternately along the stems, 1.5–4 inches (4–10 cm) long, and often flush red in autumn. From early to late summer it bears single yellow flowers in the upper leaf axils, each with four broad petals about 0.5 inch (12 mm) across; the petals drop within a day, so flowers are short-lived. The flowers are followed by the feature that gives the plant its common name — squarish, box-shaped seed capsules about 0.25 inch (6 mm) on each side, with a rounded base and a small pore at the top, that turn brown and rattle when shaken. It grows in consistently wet ground including marsh edges, wet meadows, ditches, swamp margins, and pond shores across eastern North America. The brief, scattered flowers give a limited display, with the cubic seedpods being the longer-lasting feature. It needs wet soil and does poorly where the ground dries out.
Native Range
Ludwigia alternifolia is native to eastern North America, from southern Ontario and New England south to Florida and Texas and west to the eastern Great Plains. It grows in wet habitats throughout the eastern and central United States.Suggested Uses
Ludwigia alternifolia is used in rain gardens, wetland restorations, and the moist margins of ponds and streams. Its boxy seed capsules supply texture and feed seed-eating birds into winter. It naturalizes readily where soils remain wet.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height2' - 4'
Width/Spread1' - 2'
Bloom Information
Yellow flowers open from June through August, one or a few at a time in the leaf axils. Each flower lasts only about a day, dropping its petals by afternoon, but the plant continues opening new flowers over roughly 8 weeks. The boxy seed capsules form through late summer and persist into winter.
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-12 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight