Yellow Water-primrose
(Yellow Water-weed)

Ludwigia peploides

Although native to California, in some places it invades water ecosystems and clogs waterways.  It is a common perennial found in shallow water along permanent streams (Santa Ana River, San Juan Creek).  Stems can grow to over 6 ft. entangling each other forming dense mats on mud or floating on the water. There are 5 bright yellow petals which fall individually by noon the same day they open.  The sepals persist during fruit maturation.  The fruit is a hard cylindrical capsule about an inch long. 

Native to California.

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