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cutleaf evening primrose

Oenothera laciniata

The cutleaf evening primrose is a beautiful flower with bright yellow petals. It blooms in the evening and attracts many nighttime pollinators like moths. Its unique leaves are deeply cut, making it easy to recognize!

Habitat: Grasslands

Appearance

The cutleaf evening primrose has bright yellow, four-petaled flowers that often open at dusk. Its distinctive leaves are deeply lobed, giving them a 'cut' or jagged appearance along the edges, making it unique.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderMyrtalesFamilyOnagraceaeGenusOenothera
cutleaf evening primrose
flowering trait badgebiennial trait badgefragrant_flower trait badgenight_blooming trait badge
cutleaf evening primrose

Category

Plants

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Its 'cutleaf' name comes from the jagged edges of its leaves!

Its flowers can open fully in just a few minutes, like magic!

Some evening primrose seeds can stay sleepy in soil for decades!

This plant is a master at growing in tough, disturbed ground.

Special abilities

Ability

Night Bloom Power

Cutleaf evening primrose can open its bright flowers quickly at dusk, attracting nocturnal insect pollinators like moths.

Ability

Taproot Super-Seeker

This plant has a strong taproot that helps it find deep water, allowing it to survive in dry, sandy soils.

Ability

Speedy Spreader

Cutleaf evening primrose can grow rapidly and produce many seeds, quickly colonizing new, disturbed areas.

Measurements & details

Height
10-60 cm
Spread
15-30 cm
Flower Size
1-3 cm
Bloom Season
Spring to fall
Edible
Yes
Toxicity
None
Lifecycle
Annual
Pollination Method
Insect

Ecological connections

pollinates

White-lined Sphinx Moth

Hyles lineata

visits flowers for nectar

eaten by

American Goldfinch

Spinus tristis

eats its oil-rich seeds

eats

Tobacco Hornworm

Manduca sexta

larvae munch on leaves

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Always look but don't touch flowers without asking an adult.

Frequently Asked Questions

How tall is cutleaf evening primrose?

10-60 cm

How wide does cutleaf evening primrose spread?

15-30 cm

How big are the flowers on cutleaf evening primrose?

1-3 cm

When does cutleaf evening primrose bloom?

Spring to fall

Is cutleaf evening primrose edible?

Yes

Is cutleaf evening primrose toxic?

None

What is cutleaf evening primrose's lifecycle?

Annual

How is cutleaf evening primrose pollinated?

Insect

Snap Map

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Where to spot

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