Seedbox
Ludwigia alternifolia
Seedbox is a raingarden plant that provides good texture when planted with red and blue Lobelias and sedges. Ludwigia has excellent fall color and winter interest. It grows about 2 ft tall and 3 ft wide. It will self seed but does not crowd out other plants in my experience.
I plant seedbox because of the seed head. It is a tiny box with a small hole for the dust like seeds to sprinkle out of. The seed heads will persist through the winter and look very cute with their snow caps. It also provides structure for a raingarden to keep the soil covered. The red fall color is amazing.
I see many tiny bees visiting the yellow flowers in June and July. The humming birds will also use it as a perch when they are visiting the cardinal flower.
Ludwigia grows best in raingardens and swales. It likes to have moist soil but not standing water. Plant it in full sun for best fall color.
You can see seedbox at Shaw Nature Reserve in the raingarden demonstration.
It is for sale at most native plant retailers.
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