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Blog Nature

Seeds, leaves, two volunteers, and a flower

Wingleaf primrose-willow (Ludwigia decurrens) is sometimes called seedbox because of its seed pod shape, square in cross section. Other names include, wingstem water primrose, willow primrose, upright primrose-willow. The alternate leaves of Ludwigia decurrens are “decurrent” – the leaf base extends down the plant’s stem as “wings.”

This herb grows in wet or marshy areas, and is sometimes aquatic. Fragments of the plant will root in a day or two if placed in water. As you can see in the photos there are many very small seeds crammed into the plant’s numerous pods.

Wingleaf primrose-willow flower (April).
Seed pod (Sept).
Seed pod (Oct).
Seed pod (Oct).
Pod opened with seeds spilling out into hand (Oct).

Primrose-willow is considered a pest in some areas but is native on the Carolina Piedmont and Coastal Plain.

We’re well into fall but our leaves have yet to peak. There are, though, a few ahead of themselves.

Sweetgum.
Swamp white oak (bottom) and sycamore.
Swamp white oak (note young bullfrogs top right).
Elm.
Elm.

And finally, thanks to our volunteers for helping out here at the museum.

Volunteers Sammie and Marian discuss the morning’s strategy.
Blue aster in front of Butterfly House.

Enjoy!