Oenothera biennis Evening primrose (Onagraceae)

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Oenothera biennis
Evening primrose
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The Oenothera biennis plant species is found in Eastern N. America - Labrador, south to Florida and Texas. Naturalized in Britain. It is a member of the Onagraceae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Evening primrose. Some home gardeners know the variety as Onagra biennis.

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

Latin Name:  Oenothera biennis
Common Name:  Evening primrose
Family:  Onagraceae
Author:  L.

Known Hazards:  None known

Mature Height:  1.2   Mature Width:

Habitat:  Dunes, roadsides, railway banks and waste places in Britain[17], often in sandy soils[4].

Cultivation Notes: Prefers a dryish well-drained sandy loam and a warm sunny position[1, 4, 200], though it is tolerant of most soils[4]. Heavy clay soils may induce winter rots[200]. Grows well on very poor soils[160, 238]. Established plants are drought resistant[160]. Formerly cultivated for its edible roots, the evening primrose is being increasingly cultivated for the oil contained in its seed which contains certain essential fatty acids and is a very valuable addition to the diet[66]. See the notes on medcinal uses for more details. The flowers open in the evening and are strongly scented with a delicious sweet perfume[245], attracting pollinating moths[4]. The seeds are a good food source for birds[200]. Plants usually self-sow freely if they are growing in a suitable position, they can naturalize in the wild garden[4, K].

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Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

The information above has been supplied solely via the hard work and dedication of the team at 'Plants for a Future'.
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