Mudwort
EN

Mudwort

Limosella aquatica

UnknownLCEULCEU

Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Limosella_aquatica

Overview

A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.

Mudwort faces severe decline due to the drainage and modification of temporary wetlands and pond margins for agricultural expansion and urban development. Water pollution from agricultural runoff and nutrient enrichment degrades the shallow, nutrient-poor conditions this species requires. Climate change threatens the delicate hydrological cycles that create the ephemeral muddy substrates essential for germination and establishment.

Threat summary

Habitat

Mudwort inhabits the muddy margins of temporary pools, shallow ponds, and seasonally flooded depressions, typically in nutrient-poor, slightly acidic conditions. It thrives in ephemeral wetlands that experience regular drying cycles, establishing on exposed mud surfaces during drawdown periods.

TERRESTRIAL· major

Other threatened species in Scrophulariaceae

White MulleinVU

White Mullein

Verbascum lychnitis

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MulleinEN

Mullein

Verbascum densiflorum

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Buddleja curviflora

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Water figwortCR

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Scrophularia umbrosa

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Mudwort classified as Endangered?
Mudwort is classified as Endangered — facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild — because population numbers are declining steeply and key habitats are under sustained pressure. Mudwort faces severe decline due to the drainage and modification of temporary wetlands and pond margins for agricultural expansion and urban development. Water pollution from agricultural runoff and nutrient enrichment degrades the shallow, nutrient-poor conditions this species requires. Climate change threatens the delicate hydrological cycles that create the ephemeral muddy substrates essential for germination and establishment.
Where does Mudwort live?
Mudwort occurs in across multiple regions. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Mudwort?
The main threats to Mudwort are ai-1, ai-2, ai-3, and ai-4. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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