Peruvian primrose

• Perennial wetland shrub up to 3m tall.
• Flowers are up to 6cm wide with 4–6 petals, 1–3cm long, 1–3cm wide.
• Leaves are slightly toothed and alternate, 5–12cm long, 1–3cm wide.
• Fruit is reddish or brownish, 10–25mm long, 6–10mm wide.
• Seeds are numerous, light brown, 0.6mm–0.8mm long.

Similar Species

Peruvian primrose looks similar to several related species. Use the following characteristics to distinguish them:

• Long-leaved willow primrose (Ludwigia longifolia):
  • upright (erect) woody herb or small shrub with 4-angled stems
  • leaves are hairless, glossy and elongated (lanceolate) or linear
  • flowers usually have 4 large, yellow petals
  • fruit is 10–35mm long, hairless and 4-angled in cross-section.
• Native willow primrose (Ludwigia octovalvis):
• upright woody herb or small shrub with rounded stems
• leaves are usually covered in hairs, variable shape that can be egg-shaped to very elongated
• flowers usually have 4 large, yellow petals
• fruit is 20–45mm long, hairy and rounded.
• Water primrose (Ludwigia peploides subsp. montevidensis):
• creeping or floating plant with rounded stems
• leaves are mostly hairless, glossy and egg-shaped or elongated
• flowers usually have 5 yellow petals
• fruit is 10–30mm long, mostly hairless, and rounded in cross-section.

• Prefers wetland areas.
• Potential to become a serious problem if planted in aquariums or outdoor ponds.

• Detected in South East Queensland.
• Visit Weeds Australia and click on the distribution tab to access the distribution map.

• Germinates readily in spring.
• Grows rapidly in summer.
• Flowers from late summer to autumn.

Environmental

• Forms pure stands that exclude native wetland plants and destroy habitat of most native wildlife.

• Seeds spread by birds, water and wind.

• Find out how farmers can prevent weed spread.
• Find out how gardeners and outdoor enthusiasts can prevent weed spread.

• Before undertaking any preventative or control actions, contact our Customer Service Centre.

• Peruvian primrose is a prohibited invasive plant under the Biosecurity Act 2014.
• You must not keep, move, give away, sell or release into the environment. Penalties may apply.
• You must not take any action reasonably likely to exacerbate the biosecurity threat posed by Peruvian primrose.
• You must take any action that is reasonably likely to minimise the biosecurity threat posed by Peruvian primrose.
• You must report all sightings to Biosecurity Queensland within 24 hours.