Scientific Name
Oenothera biennis
Files
Download Seed: The reddish brown seeds of common evening primrose are 1.2-1.6 mm long. (59 KB)
Download Seedling: Seedling of common evening primrose grown in research greenhouse at SDSU. (67 KB)
Download Vegetative: Leaves are 5-15 cm long and 1.5-4 cm wide. (79 KB)
Download Sepals: Sepals are 1-2.5 cm long and the petals are 1-2.5 cm long. (44 KB)
Download Fruiting: Cylindrical capsules contain the seeds. (99 KB)
Family Name
Onagraceae
Common Name
Common evening primrose
Native American Name
Lakota: Canhlo'gan hu'nla
Horticulture Notes
Seed Collection: Collect seed in Aug.-Oct. when seed capsules split open
Germination: No pretreatment needed
Vegetative Propagation:
Soils: Sandy or gravelly
Light: Full sun
Water: Moist
Notes: This plant is very aggressive when removed from competition. In my garden it grew very large and was not very attractive. It has been difficult to eradicate seedlings even after 2 years.
Additional Notes
The Lakota means Rattle Weed