Water Purslane, Marsh seedbox
Ludwigia palustris
Family: Onagraceae
What it is like
Ludwigia palustris is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.5 m (1ft 8in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 3. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers wet soil and can grow in water.
Height (m): 0.5
Where it is found
Shallow water or wet soils.
Europe. Asia. N. America - Nova Scotia to Manitoba, south to Florida and California.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 0
Medicine
Rating: 1
Used in the treatment of phthisis (pulmonary tuberculosis), asthma and chronic coughs.
Antiasthmatic: Treats asthma.
Pectoral: Relieves respiratory diseases, a remedy for chest diseases.
Other
Rating:
How it is grown
A plant of shallow water or boggy land, it requires a fertile soil in a warm sunny position.
Propagating it: Seed - sow spring in a greenhouse at a temperature between 15 - 20°c. Immerse the pot so that it is 2 - 5cm below water level. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in containers of water in the greenhouse for their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer. Division in spring. Softwood cuttings in a frame in spring.
Best place to grow: Pond; Bog Garden;
Habit: Perennial
Hardiness: 3-7
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: No shade
Moisture: Wet, water