Ludwigia alternifolia, commonly known as Seed Box, is a native perennial forb (wildflower) in the evening primrose family. It is found throughout the State of Missouri on stream/pond margins, wet meadows, wet places in prairies and depressions, low wet woodlands, fallow fields, ditches and along railroad right-of-ways. Seedbox has showier flowers than most Ludwigia spp., and its cubic seed capsules have a distinct appearance.
Wildlife notes
The flowers of Seedbox are visited primarily by bees, including Halictid bees and leaf-cutting bees. The bees suck nectar or collect pollen from the flowers. Less common floral visitors include Sphecid wasps, small butterflies, beetles, and other insects. Some insects also feed on the foliage and other parts of Seedbox. These species include leaf beetles, the flea beetle, and caterpillars of the Pearly Wood Nymph moth. White-Tailed Deer occasionally browse on the foliage during the summer.
Forage notes
No information is currently available.
Landscaping notes
Easily grown in average, consistently moist to wet soils in full sun. Tolerates light shade. May self-seed in optimum growing conditions. Native plant gardens, water gardens, pond peripheries, moist naturalized areas or low areas.
Restoration notes
Habitats include openings in floodplain woodlands, sandy swamps, acidic gravelly seeps, low areas along streams and ponds, wet prairies, wet sand prairies, and roadside ditches.
This species is commonly used in the following mixes: Wildlife Chuckwagon Mix, Wet Meadow Mix, Butterfly & Hummingbird Mix
