Oenothera biennis, evening primrose
Family: Onagraceae
Description
This biennial plant produces a fairly large rosette in the first year, and follows with a succession floppy, yellow flowers in its second year of growth. Historically Oenthera biennis was a classic physic garden plant, cultivated as a treatment for a variety of ailments, including “hysteria” in women. Flowers emerge at night and is traditionally pollinated by moths, such as the sphinx moth, that use long tongues to reach the ovary at the base of flower. The multi branched stems are slightly sticky to the touch.
Growing conditions:
Oenothera biennis prefers well-drained soils in sunny locations. It is often considered weedy and will tolerate a variety of conditions.
Suitable uses:
This could be a useful addition to a site with poor soils, such as an industrial site. This species is known to show up in waste sites or along roadsides. It is very difficult to find in a nursery.
CC Image courtesy of PhotoPhoto33 on Flickr
CC Image courtesy of Steve Guttman NYC on Flickr