Common Evening Primrose (Oenothera biennis)

Common evening primrose will often appear on its own in disturbed sites. It is the most abundant primrose in Missouri. As a biennial, it grows basal foliage during its first year and blooms the second year. The lemon-scented flowers open in the evening and and are usually finished blooming by noon the following day. At night, they are pollinated by moths.

It has a long history as a medicinal plant, and in Europe (where it was introduced) goes by the common name King's Cure-all. It is grown commercially to extract EPO (evening primrose oil), a dietary supplement. A little research will show that all parts of the plant are edible.

Uses: Edible, medicinal, pollinators

Bloom time: June - October

Height: 3 to 7 feet

Space: 2 to 3 feet

Sun: Full sun to light shade

Moisture: Dry to average

Seed should be sown fall through spring and requires light to germinate.