northern evening-primrose
ExplorePlants
northern evening-primrose
Oenothera parviflora
The northern evening-primrose is a beautiful flower that blooms in the evening. Its bright yellow petals open up to greet the night and attract lovely moths and other nighttime creatures.
Habitat: Grasslands
Appearance
The northern evening-primrose has slender, often reddish stems with lance-shaped leaves. Its small, bright yellow flowers, typically 1-2.5 cm wide, open at dusk and are distinctly bowl-shaped. Unlike some larger evening-primroses, its petals are relatively uniform.
KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderMyrtalesFamilyOnagraceaeGenusOenothera
Category
PlantsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
If you watch closely at dusk, you can see the petals unfurl quickly!
Its roots were once used by Native Americans as a nutritious vegetable!
Some believe its oil helps skin feel soft and healthy.
The flower petals have tiny "nectar guides" only insects can see!
Special abilities
Ability
Twilight Bloomer
northern evening-primrose can open its bright yellow flowers only at dusk, attracting nocturnal pollinators like moths under the moonlight.
Ability
Seed Powerhouse
northern evening-primrose has small seeds that can remain viable in the soil for many years, waiting for the right conditions to sprout.
Ability
Survivor Soil
northern evening-primrose can thrive in poor, sandy, or disturbed soils that other plants avoid, making it a resilient pioneer species.
Measurements & details
- Height
- 30-100 cm
- Spread
- 20-50 cm
- Flower Size
- 1-2.5 cm
- Bloom Season
- Late summer to early fall
- Edible
- Yes
- Toxicity
- None
- Lifecycle
- Biennial
- Pollination Method
- Insect
Ecological connections
pollinates
White-lined Sphinx Moth
Hyles lineata
Its long proboscis reaches deep for nectar.
eats
White-tailed Deer
Odocoileus virginianus
Deer browse on its leaves and stems.
eats
American Goldfinch
Spinus tristis
Goldfinches feast on its small seeds.
Traits
Ornamental
Ornamental plants are cultivated primarily for their aesthetic appeal, enhancing landscapes and gardens with their attractive foliage, flowers, or form.
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 touch flowers without asking an adult.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is northern evening-primrose?
30-100 cm
How wide does northern evening-primrose spread?
20-50 cm
How big are the flowers on northern evening-primrose?
1-2.5 cm
When does northern evening-primrose bloom?
Late summer to early fall
Is northern evening-primrose edible?
Yes
Is northern evening-primrose toxic?
None
What is northern evening-primrose's lifecycle?
Biennial
How is northern evening-primrose pollinated?
Insect
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