Characteristics:

A central stem with alternate leaves, but sometimes there will be multiple stems in open areas, creating a bushy/hedge appearance. The stems are light green sometimes with a red tint, and are covered with white hairs. The light green leaves are up to 8" long and 2" wide. A collection of lemony yellow flowers will bloom from the head of the main steam, making a bowl shape of tubular 1.5in-2in lemon scented flowers. These flowers open at dusk and close again in the morning, hence the name Evening Primrose. They are fertilized by moths in the night and early morning bees.

Traditional Uses: 

Seed oil (plant seeds contain gamma-linolenic acid) has been used in a number of different medicinal applications (particularly in Europe) since the 1600s as reflected in the sometimes used common names of King’s Cure-All and Fever-Plant. Evening primrose oil is now commercially cultivated in 15 countries. All parts of this plant including the roots were once used as food by American Indians. 

Etymology:

Genus name is unclear but may have come from the Greek words oinos and theras meaning wine-seeker in probable reference to an ancient use of the roots of genus plants in scenting wine.

Oenothera biennis

Common Evening Primrose

Family: Onagraceae

Type: Herbaceous perennial

Height: Average or 3-5ft but can reach up to 7ft

Bloom: A lemony yellow tubular flower opening from June to September 

Water: Medium

Sunlight: Full sun to part shade

Attracts: Birds and Butterflies/Pollinators

Propagation: Seed

Tolerates: All soil types, prefers a neutral pH, drought

 Plant Communities