Mexican Primrose-willow
Ludwigia octovalvis
Also listed as Jussiaea octovalvis, Oenothera octovalvis
Also known as Water-primrose, Willow Primrose, Narrow-leaf Water-primrose
Climate Match for your location
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A fast-growing herbaceous perennial with delicate yellow four-petaled flowers and narrow leaves, thriving in wet conditions such as pond margins and ditches. It blooms prolifically in warm months and can become weedy in ideal conditions.
Why grow it
Mexican primrose-willow establishes quickly in wet margins where many ornamentals struggle, making it useful for stabilizing pond edges and filtering runoff. Its extended bloom period through warm months provides nectar for pollinators in seasons when other wetland flowers have faded. Compared to native alternatives like native loosestrife species, it tolerates a wider range of water depths and soil conditions, though this adaptability comes with management trade-offs.
Watch out for
In areas where it spreads readily, regular deadheading or cutting back after flowering helps prevent excessive self-seeding. The plant's shallow root system means it may require anchoring in flowing water or high-energy pond margins. Growth can be notably vigorous in rich soil with consistent moisture, so initial spacing should account for mature spread rather than nursery pot size.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Onagraceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Tropical and subtropical Americas
Native to: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Shrub
Woody multi-stem plants at eye level.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
A fast-growing herbaceous perennial with delicate yellow four-petaled flowers and narrow leaves, thriving in wet conditions such as pond margins and ditches. It blooms prolifically in warm months and can become weedy in ideal conditions.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Mexican Primrose-willow grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Mexican primrose-willow establishes quickly in wet margins where many ornamentals struggle, making it useful for stabilizing pond edges and filtering runoff. Its extended bloom period through warm months provides nectar for pollinators in seasons when other wetland flowers have faded. Compared to native alternatives like native loosestrife species, it tolerates a wider range of water depths and soil conditions, though this adaptability comes with management trade-offs.
Watch out for
In areas where it spreads readily, regular deadheading or cutting back after flowering helps prevent excessive self-seeding. The plant's shallow root system means it may require anchoring in flowing water or high-energy pond margins. Growth can be notably vigorous in rich soil with consistent moisture, so initial spacing should account for mature spread rather than nursery pot size.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Onagraceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Tropical and subtropical Americas
Native to: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Shrub
Woody multi-stem plants at eye level.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
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