Ludwigia pilosa

Lore & Background

Ludwigia pilosa is described as pubescent all over, sometimes velvety, with stems reaching up to 1.2 meters tall. Its leaves are simple, elliptical, and attached at the petiole, measuring 20–100 mm in length and 3–14 mm in width. The flowers lack petals but bear 4–7 yellow sepals averaging 4–5 mm long. The plant produces abundant seeds, each 0.5 mm, enclosed in a cubed, thick-walled seed pod 3–4 mm in length. It flowers from late June until late November. The species is resourceful: waterfowl feed on its seeds, the immersed portions create habitat for invertebrates, and decaying plant matter sustains those invertebrates.

Reader's Guide

Ludwigia pilosa is significant for its ecological contributions in wet environments. According to the source, it prefers wet ground and is found along roadside ditches, ponds, and shallow swampy areas. Its distribution spans from eastern Texas to the southern half of Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, the northern portion of Florida, and two counties in southeastern Virginia. The plant's seeds are consumed by waterfowl, while its submerged parts provide habitat for invertebrates. As the plants decay, the detritus continues to support invertebrate life, highlighting its role in nutrient cycling and food webs. Its perennial nature and long flowering period from late June to late November further underscore its adaptability. The species' velvety pubescence and lack of petals, with yellow sepals instead, distinguish it morphologically. No additional uses or cultural significance are mentioned in the source.

Did You Know?

• Ludwigia pilosa has no petals; its flowers consist of 4–7 yellow sepals.
• The plant is pubescent all over and sometimes described as velvety.
• Its seeds are 0.5 mm and enclosed in a cubed, thick-walled seed pod 3–4 mm long.
• Waterfowl feed on the seeds, and the immersed portion creates habitat for invertebrates.