Oenothera parviflora, commonly known as Northern Evening Primrose, is a biennial herb native to open woodlands, grasslands, and disturbed sites in northeastern North America. It is adaptable to a range of habitats, which contributes to its invasive potential in regions such as Europe, Asia, South Africa, and New Zealand. This species typically grows up to 5 feet tall and features a rosette of lance-shaped leaves at its base with flowering stems that are leafy and erect. The plant is known for its yellow flowers that bloom in the evening and remain open until the following day, attracting nocturnal pollinators such as moths, as well as bees. The flowers are followed by elongated seed capsules that facilitate its prolific spread by seed.

Northern Evening Primrose is valued for its evening-blooming, fragrant flowers that can add interest to night gardens or naturalized areas. It is often used in wildflower gardens, borders, and for erosion control due to its rapid growth and ability to thrive in poor soils. It prefers full sun to part shade and is tolerant of a variety of soil types, though it performs best in well-drained soils. While it requires minimal maintenance, gardeners should be aware of its potential to self-seed and become weedy. In areas where it is invasive, control measures may be necessary to prevent unwanted spread.CC BY-SA 4.0