Oenothera brachycarpa, commonly known as Shortfruit Evening Primrose, is a deciduous perennial herb native to arid grasslands, plains, and rocky outcrops in Northeast Mexico, New Mexico, and Texas. It typically grows to a height of 1-2 feet (0.3-0.6 meters) and spreads 1-3 feet (0.3-0.9 meters) wide. This species is characterized by its rosettes of lance-shaped leaves and its bright yellow flowers that bloom in the spring and summer, opening in the evening and closing by the next noon. The flowers are moderately showy and attract pollinators such as bees and moths.

Shortfruit Evening Primrose is valued for its drought tolerance and the splash of color it adds to xeriscapes and rock gardens. It is also used in native plant gardens and as a border plant in areas with poor, dry soils. It requires minimal maintenance once established, thriving in full sun and well-drained soils with low water needs. While generally disease-free, it can occasionally suffer from root rot if overwatered. This plant is not known for aggressive roots or significant pest problems. It can self-seed and spread in favorable conditions, making it a good choice for naturalistic plantings.CC BY-SA 4.0