Yellow Evening Primrose

Oenothera flava

Also known as: Murdock's Evening Primrose

Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Onagraceae
Genus:
Oenothera
Species:
Oenothera flava

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Forb/herb
Height:
6 in - 1 ft
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
High
Bloom Months:
apr, may, jun, jul, aug
Bloom Colors:
Yellow
Ground Cover:
Yes

Native Range

United States: Utah

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)

Reported Fauna Sightings

Bees: Yellow-faced bumble bee (Bombus vosnesenskii), Yellow-faced bumble bee (Bombus vosnesenskii)

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
sandy, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil
pH:
6.0 - 8.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
dry to moderate
Notes:
native to arid and semi-arid regions

Germination Information

Pre-treatment: Seeds are imbibed in water for 4 hours and undergo a 90 day cold, moist stratification at 1 to 3°C in the refrigerator.

Establishment: Seeds are hand collected in August when capsules begin to split open. Seeds are brown at maturity. They are collected in paper bags and kept in a well ventilated drying shed prior to cleaning.

Source: npn.rngr.net