Oenothera elata ssp. hookeri
This is one of the largest and showiest of the evening-primroses. The biennial spends its first year as a low rosette of leaves. The second year, clusters of bright yellow, 3 in., flowers are borne atop the leafy 3-6 ft. stems. These flowers unfurl in late afternoon or at dusk, are quite fragrant, and have four heart-shaped petals.
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
Flowers: J F M A M J J A S O N D
Status: Native
Origin: West KS to CA and south to Mexico
Family: Onagraceae (Evening Primrose)
Size: 3-6′
Sun: Full
Watering: Moderate
Growth Rate:
Soil: Tolerates most soils
Temperature:
Pruning:
Disease and Pests:
Uses: Special value to native bees. Host for the White Lined Sphinx Moth and Flower Moth
Notes: Also called the Giant Evening Primrose. Can become weedy.
Photo by iranah
Resources
More on PollinatorWeb: every plant page A–Z · recommended plants for the low desert · which butterflies and moths each plant hosts
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