Water primrose

Ludwigia grandiflora  

Habitat

Wetlands and the margins of watercourses, ditches, ponds and lakes.

Key ID features

• Creeping plant along water margins that spreads out into water, creating floating mats.

• Reproduces from seed and from small stem fragments.

• Has lots of yellow flowers in summer and small oval leaves.

Distribution

30 sites (29 in England, 1 in Wales), and believe that ten of these sites have been eradicated successfully (2020).

Impacts

The dense floating mat reduces light levels and can cause oxygen depletion, leading to a loss of native plants and wildlife. Problems caused by clogging of waterways and drainage systems.

Do’s & Don’ts

• DON’T buy from any outlets for aquariums and water gardens - it’s against the law for it to be sold.

• DO check whether this plant is present in your pond/aquarium - it’s really a monster in disguise!

• DO dispose of invasive non-native plants responsibly – leave to dry in a sunny dry area 3m away from water.  Can be composted or burned (in line with local restrictions) once completely dried.

• DON’T break the law - Be Plant Wise - don’t dump invasive non-native plants in the wild or transfer to other ponds, or you may be guilty of an offence under the Invasive Alien Species (Enforcement & Permitting) Order 2019.

More Information

For more information visit the GB Non-Native Species Secretariat website.