Common Evening Primrose (Oenothera biennis)
Biennial that produces a panicle of pale yellow flowers. The flowers are visible from the evening to the early morning; however, they can be visible during cloudy days as well. Primary pollinator are sphinx moths. Occasional visitors include the Ruby-Throated Hummingbird, bumblebees, and honeybees. Its seeds are eaten by goldfinches. During the first year of growth, the leaves can be cooked and eaten.
Biennial that produces a panicle of pale yellow flowers. The flowers are visible from the evening to the early morning; however, they can be visible during cloudy days as well. Primary pollinator are sphinx moths. Occasional visitors include the Ruby-Throated Hummingbird, bumblebees, and honeybees. Its seeds are eaten by goldfinches. During the first year of growth, the leaves can be cooked and eaten.
Biennial that produces a panicle of pale yellow flowers. The flowers are visible from the evening to the early morning; however, they can be visible during cloudy days as well. Primary pollinator are sphinx moths. Occasional visitors include the Ruby-Throated Hummingbird, bumblebees, and honeybees. Its seeds are eaten by goldfinches. During the first year of growth, the leaves can be cooked and eaten.
Bloom: mid-summer to fall
Habitats: abandoned fields; glades; lakeshore dunes; mesic to dry black soil prairies; roadsides and railroads; sand prairies; slopes of drainage ditches; thickets; vacant lots
Lifespan: biennial
Moisture: mesic
Plant type (height): forb (up to 7 feet)
Requirements: full sun
Soil: somewhat sandy soil (other growing conditions are tolerated)