Oenothera biennis

Common Name
Common evening-primrose
Scientific Name
Oenothera biennis
Ground Cover
No
Evergreen
No
Plant Form
Herbs
Max Height (ft)
5.0
Region
Coastal
Piedmont
Mountain
Additional Info

Habitat: The members of this complex are common inhabitants of fields, pastures, roadsides, clearings, and other open, disturbed habitats throughout the state.

Wildlife value: Flowers are fertilized by night-flying moths which are attracted by the mild lemon flower fragrance and by bees in the early morning before closure. Larvae of the Primrose moth feed on the flower buds.  Seeds attracts birds. Members of the genus Oenothera support the following specialized bees: Melissodes (Apomelissodes) fimbriatus and Lasioglossum (Sphecodogastra) oenotherae.

Notes: This fragrant flower produces a profusion of yellow flowers that open in the evening and close in the morning. This species blooms in its second year. This plant is included in the Homegrown National Park: Container Gardening with Keystones list.

Light Requirements
Full sun
Partial sun
Moisture Requirements
Moist
Dry
Grassland Species
No
Riparian Buffer Species?
No
Flower Color
Gold/Yellow
Flower Prominence
Conspicuous
Bloom Time
Spring
Early Summer
Late Summer
Fall
Deer Resitant
No
Low Maintenance
No
Good Choice for Public Spaces
No
Seed or Fruit eaten by wildlife?
No
Supports Pollinators
Yes
Pollinators
Bees
Butterfiles