Samolus floribundus

Samolus floribundus denotes a brookweed (primrose family) that is now usually called Samolus parviflorus; the latter name was published shortly before, in 1818.¹² The aquarium literature, by contrast, places both under the water pimpernel S. valerandi and considers the differing flower and fruit sizes to be environmentally induced.³ According to the Flora of North America, however, the European S. valerandi has larger flowers and capsules.¹

It grows in wet places in eastern Canada, the USA, Central and South America and Japan; it is perennial, light green and produces no runners.¹² Its small white flowers are usually borne in racemes and appear from spring to autumn; the plant reaches 7–82 cm, and the leaves are obovate to elliptic.¹ It is offered in the aquarium trade from time to time.¹

1. Samolus parviflorus – Flora of North America, eFloras.org (accessed 5 October 2026)
2. Samolus parviflorus – Plants of the World Online, Royal Botanic Gardens Kew (WCVP data as of 4 June 2026, accessed 5 October 2026)
3. Kasselmann, C. (2019): Aquarienpflanzen. 4th edition (German). - Ulmer Verlag, Stuttgart: p. 544.