Mosaic Plant

Other Common Names: mosaic flower, false loosestrife

(Ludwigia sedioides)

Non-Native

Mosaic plant’s red and green leaves grow in a mosaic pattern that floats on the surface. One flower blooms per plant with 4 bright yellow petals.

Description

Stems are rooted in wet mud, growing in waters 12 to 18 inches deep. They are often reddish and brittle.

Leaves grow from a central point on the stem and are diamond shaped with toothed margins. The green and red leaves float on the surface of the water and create a mosaic look three to six inches wide.

Bright yellow flowers bloom in the summer and remain somewhat cup shaped; they may not open as far as most others in the Ludwigia (primrose) family. A single flower blooms per plant, and each is usually about two inches with with four petals.

This is a warm weather plant, flourishing in water temperatures warmer than 70° F in full sun to partial shade. It is in the primrose family.

Location

Mosaic plant is not typically found in the United States. It is an ornamental plant for contained water gardens.

Propagation

rhizomes, seeds