Hooker’s Evening Primrose
(Oenothera elata)
Hooker’s Evening Primrose (Oenothera elata)
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Photo by Easyscape
CC BY-SA 4.0
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Photo by Easyscape
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Copyright:
CC BY-SA 4.0
Copyright Notice:
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/ | CC BY-SA 4.0
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Oenothera elata, commonly known as Hooker’s Evening Primrose, is a deciduous biennial or perennial herb native to open woodlands, grasslands, and riparian zones throughout the Western and Intermountain regions of the USA, extending into Mexico and Central America. The hookeri subspecies, particularly prevalent in California, can reach a height of approximately 1.8 meters (6 feet). This species features a stout, often reddish stem with many long, narrow leaves that form a basal rosette. The plant is topped with a large, open cluster of yellow flowers, each 2 to 4 inches wide, with four large petals, protruding yellow stamens, and a distinctive 4-branched pistil. The flowers are notable for their evening opening, emitting a pleasant fragrance as they bloom at dusk and wilting the following morning, often changing color to orange or red.
Hooker’s Evening Primrose is valued for its large, showy, and fragrant flowers that attract pollinators such as moths and bees. It is used in naturalistic plantings, wildflower gardens, and as a border plant. The plant thrives in full sun to part shade and requires ample water, making it suitable for areas with fast-draining soils. While it is generally low-maintenance, it can self-seed prolifically under ideal conditions, which may require management in a garden setting.CC BY-SA 4.0
Hooker’s Evening Primrose is valued for its large, showy, and fragrant flowers that attract pollinators such as moths and bees. It is used in naturalistic plantings, wildflower gardens, and as a border plant. The plant thrives in full sun to part shade and requires ample water, making it suitable for areas with fast-draining soils. While it is generally low-maintenance, it can self-seed prolifically under ideal conditions, which may require management in a garden setting.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Herb
- Height: 3-5 feet
- Width: 2-3 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: Yellow
- Flowering Season: Summer, Fall
- Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water: High
- Drainage: Fast
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Fire Resistant, Fragrant, Groundcover, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Rabbit Resistant, Salt Tolerant, Showy Flowers
Natural Habitat
Native to open woodlands, grasslands, and riparian zones
Other Names
Common Names: Tall Evening Primrose , Hooker’s Evening-Primrose , Hooker’s Eveningprimrose , Western Eveningprimrose
Scientific Names: Oenothera elata
GBIF Accepted Name: Oenothera elata Kunth