Marsh Seedbox Ludwigia palustris

Water Purslane is a mat-forming, herbaceous perennial, wet area subshrub in the evening primrose family. It is found growing in low water environments such as along small ponds or streams or in muddy areas. It is also used in aquariums. The stems are succulent and often red in color and, when out of the water, spread along the ground up to two feet. In water, the stems seek the surface and the stem tips poke out of the water. The leaves become more red when exposed to sunlight. The inconspicuous flowers occur mid-summer to fall.

Water Purslane prefers full sun and wet conditions, either wet muddy ground or clear shallow water a few inches deep. This plant is usually seen near a pond or grown in rain or water gardens.

The root system is shallow and fibrous and the plant reproduces by forming rootlets near the axils of the lower leaves. Both in the water and out, roots are continuously forming at the nodes, forming mats. It can be considered weedy but can also be a stabilizing plant on muddy banks, and is used to filter and take in toxins in bioswales and ditches. It is a hardy plant and is widely used in the aquarium trade.

Diseases, Insect Pests, and Other Plant Problems:

No known diseases or insect pests.