Ludwigia palustris (Marsh Purslane)

Ludwigia palustris (Marsh Purslane) is an aquatic or semi-aquatic perennial growing erect in shallow water, its upper stems and leaves usually poking above the water, or sprawling across the ground when emergent. The succulent stems, light green to deep red in color, are clothed with opposite, short-stalked, rounded, shiny, medium green to dark reddish green leaves, 1.5 in. long (4 cm). The foliage becomes more red when it is exposed to bright sunlight. In spring, inconspicuous small flowers occur at the base of leaves when the stems are above the water surface. The root system is shallow and fibrous and forms rootlets near the axils of the lower leaves, creating mats over time. Native to North America and Eurasia, Marsh Purslane occurs naturally in swamps, seeps, springs, muddy borders of ponds, river sandbars, and ditches. Marsh Purslane can be a stabilizing plant on muddy banks, and is used to filter and take in toxins in bioswales and ditches. Considered weedy, it can be grown submersed in aquaria or along the margins of ponds on wet substrate. Leaves and stems are edible either fresh or cooked.

• Grows up to 3-12 in. tall (7-30 cm).
• Thrives in full sun or light shade in wet muddy ground or clear shallow water, only a few inches deep.
• Great for water gardens, bog gardens, along ponds and streams.
• Virtually pest and disease free.
• Propagate by seed or by division. Cuttings can be rooted in sediment.
• Native to North America and Eurasia.