Seedbox

Description:

Seedbox / Smooth Seedbox / Bushy Seedbox / Rattle-box / Square-Pod Water-Primrose Ludwigia alternifolia Family - Onagraceae Etymology: Genus name honors Christian G. Ludwig (1709-1773), professor at Leipzig Specific epithet alternifolia (L) = alternate leaved Seedbox from the seed capsule which is square at the top. Rattlebox are in reference to the interesting box-like seed capsules which, when mature, will rattle when shaken. Ludwigia species are larval hosts for the Banded Sphinx Moth - Eumorpha fasciatus fasciatus The four yellow petals of the 1/2 to 3/4 blossom are easily knocked off. When I first spotted this plant on my property, I made a note to go back and photograph it later. When I did, much to my chagrin, the petals were all laying on the ground. Fortunately it continued producing flowers for several weeks. The lanceolate leaves grow alternately on the frequently reddish stem. The leaves are entire (without teeth or lobes). The leaves and stem may be sparsely hairy, or may be glabrous (without hair.) The four-sided seed capsule gives Ludwigia alternifolia its most-used common name, Seedbox. The Seedbox will be brown later in the season.

Habitat:

Found in swamps and other moist areas throughout much of the eastern United States and on west into Colorado. It grows to three or four feet tall, although it may have a tendency to recline on other plants, blooming from mid- to late summer.

Notes:

This photo depicts the seed pod.