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Winged Water-primrose

Ludwigia decurrens

Last reviewed: August 2026

Winged Water-primrose (Ludwigia decurrens)
Photo: (c) Michael J. Papay, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Michael J. Papay

Toxicity unknown

Winged Water-primrose (Ludwigia decurrens) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Winged Water-primrose as toxic to livestock.

Light

full sun

Water

high

Size

12"–48" H × 12"–24" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep

Native to

AL, AR, FL, GA and 17 more states

Pollinators

bees, butterflies, beetles

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 445 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

Find rebates in your area

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Cross TimbersTexas Blackland PrairiesEast Central Texas PlainsWestern Gulf Coastal PlainSouth Central PlainsEastern Temperate ForestsOzark HighlandsPiedmontMiddle Atlantic Coastal PlainSoutheastern PlainsBlue RidgeRidge and ValleyInterior PlateauInterior River Valleys and HillsMississippi Alluvial PlainMississippi Valley Loess PlainsSouthern Coastal Plain

Winged water-primrose is a native wetland perennial that produces bright yellow flowers from summer through early fall. This plant thrives in consistently moist to wet soils and requires full sun exposure. Its upright growth habit and extended blooming period make it valuable for rain gardens and wet areas.

In an HOA neighborhood

Winged Water-primrose takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: moderate. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

  • Requires consistently wet conditions that may look problematic
  • Can spread aggressively in ideal conditions
  • May appear weedy or unkempt to traditional landscaping expectations

Wildlife value

The bright yellow flowers attract bees, butterflies, and beetles throughout the long blooming season. This native plant provides important nectar resources during late summer when many other flowers have finished blooming.

Common questions

How much sun does Winged Water-primrose need?
Winged Water-primrose grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Winged Water-primrose bloom?
Winged Water-primrose blooms in June, July, August, and September.
Where is Winged Water-primrose native?
Winged Water-primrose (Ludwigia decurrens) is native to AL, AR, FL, GA and 17 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
Is Winged Water-primrose toxic to livestock?
The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Winged Water-primrose as toxic to livestock.
What pollinators does Winged Water-primrose attract?
Winged Water-primrose draws bees, butterflies, and beetles.
Is Winged Water-primrose HOA-friendly?
Winged Water-primrose takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

Ready to grow Winged Water-primrose? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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