Whitest Evening Primrose
Oenothera albicaulis
Jim Pisarowicz
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Onagraceae
- Genus:
- Oenothera
- Species:
- Oenothera albicaulis
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Annual
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb
- Height:
- 1-2 ft
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- High
- Bloom Months:
- apr, may, jun, jul
- Bloom Colors:
- White
- Ground Cover:
- Yes
Native Range
United States: Arizona, Colorado, Illinois, Kansas, Montana, North Dakota, Nebraska, New Mexico, Nevada, New York, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Wyoming
Keystone Species Ranking
- Caterpillar Keystone:
- ★★★★☆ Based on number of butterfly and moth species using this genus as host plant (Source: National Wildlife Federation)
- Bee Keystone:
- ★★★☆☆ Based on number of native bee species using this genus for pollen and nectar (Source: National Wildlife Federation)
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- sandy, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil
- pH:
- 6.0 - 8.0 (neutral to slightly alkaline)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- thrives in disturbed areas and open spaces
Germination Information
Pre-treatment: Soaking seeds for 24 hours at low temperatures (4-10°C) in the dark or 3-week moist cold stratification
Establishment: Germination rates and times can be affected by seed quality/age. Other methods to break seed dormancy, such as dry heat, smoke, darkness, and wet/dry cycles, may be attempted. This information is general for the Oenothera genus and may not apply specifically to O. albicaulis.
Source: npn.rngr.net