Ecological Risk Screening Summary - Peruvian Primrose (Ludwigia peruviana) - High Risk

Species that are considered high risk have a well-documented history of invasiveness in at least one location globally and are of establishment concern for the contiguous United States based on a climate matching analysis.

Ludwigia peruviana, the Peruvian primrose, is a plant that is native to Central and South America and parts of the Caribbean, including Puerto Rico. This species can grow in shallow water and in riparian riparian
Definition of riparian habitat or riparian areas.

Learn more about riparian areas. L. peruviana has been introduced to the southeastern United States, Australia, southern Asia, and possibly southern Africa. It has established populations in many of
those locations, including the southeastern United States. The species has been introduced via botanical plantings and has spread through seed contamination and natural dispersal. This aquatic plant has been highly successful supplanting native vegetation in ecosystems in India. It has impacted native ecosystems and altered hydrology in Australia. The History of Invasiveness for Ludwigia peruviana is classified as High. The climate matching analysis for the contiguous United States indicates establishment concern. Areas of high climate match were found primarily in the Southeast, which includes coastal areas with known established Ludwigia peruviana populations. The Certainty of Assessment for this ERSS is classified as High due to the availability of peer-reviewed information on documented impacts of introductions. The Overall Risk Assessment Category for Ludwigia peruviana in the contiguous United States is High.