fragrant evening primrose
ExplorePlants
fragrant evening primrose
Oenothera cespitosa
The fragrant evening primrose is a lovely flower that blooms in the evening. It has bright yellow petals and a sweet smell that attracts nighttime pollinators like moths.
Habitat: Grasslands
Appearance
The fragrant evening primrose is a low-growing plant with large, bowl-shaped flowers that open in the evening. Its showy blooms are typically pure white, sometimes fading to a delicate pink by morning, and feature prominent yellow stamens. It forms a compact rosette close to the ground.
KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderMyrtalesFamilyOnagraceaeGenusOenothera
Category
PlantsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Even its taproots can be eaten, tasting a bit like parsnips or sweet potatoes!
Indigenous people once used parts of this plant for both food and traditional medicines.
Its beautiful white flowers often turn a soft pink by morning after blooming all night long!
The large, fuzzy buds look like tiny green lanterns before they magically unfurl into flowers!
Special abilities
Ability
Nighttime Beacon
Fragrant evening primrose can open its large flowers within minutes at dusk to attract night-flying pollinators with its bright display.
Ability
Scent Signal
It has a powerful, sweet fragrance that travels far in the evening air, guiding nocturnal insects to its blossoms for nectar.
Ability
Drought Survivor
Fragrant evening primrose has a deep, thick taproot that helps it reach deep water sources and store nutrients in dry, rocky soils.
Measurements & details
- Height
- 5-20 cm
- Spread
- 20-40 cm
- Flower Size
- 4-7 cm
- Bloom Season
- Spring to fall
- Edible
- Yes
- Toxicity
- None
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Pollination Method
- Insect
Ecological connections
pollinates
White-lined sphinx moth
Hyles lineata
attracted to its strong night scent
pollinates
Tobacco hornworm moth
Manduca sexta
visits flowers at night for nectar
eaten by
Mule Deer
Odocoileus hemionus
deer may browse on its leaves
Traits
Aromatic
Aromatic plants produce and emit fragrant volatile organic compounds, often for defense or to attract pollinators.
Flowering
Flowering plants are any plants that produce flowers as part of their reproductive cycle.
Fragrant Flower
Fragrant flowers emit a pleasant aroma, often to attract pollinators or for defense.
Medicinal
Medicinal plants possess chemical compounds that can be used for therapeutic purposes to treat illnesses or maintain health.
Night Blooming
Night blooming plants open their flowers after sunset, often to attract nocturnal pollinators with their scent and appearance.
Edible
Edible plants are those parts of a plant that are considered safe for human consumption.
Grassland
Grassland habitats are terrestrial biomes dominated by grasses and herbaceous plants, supporting a variety of grazing animals.
Pollinator Magnet
Describes plants that are particularly attractive and beneficial to a wide range of pollinating organisms.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Always look, but don't pick flowers without asking an adult first.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is fragrant evening primrose?
5-20 cm
How wide does fragrant evening primrose spread?
20-40 cm
How big are the flowers on fragrant evening primrose?
4-7 cm
When does fragrant evening primrose bloom?
Spring to fall
Is fragrant evening primrose edible?
Yes
Is fragrant evening primrose toxic?
None
What is fragrant evening primrose's lifecycle?
Perennial
How is fragrant evening primrose pollinated?
Insect
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