Biennial Beeblossom
Oenothera gaura
- Native to:
- Canada, United States
Frank Mayfield (www.flickr.com) from Chicago area, USA
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Onagraceae
- Genus:
- Oenothera
- Species:
- Oenothera gaura
- USDA Symbol:
- OEGA
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Biennial
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb
- Height:
- 150 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Part Shade,Shade
- Drought Tolerance:
- High
- Bloom Months:
- may,jun,jul,aug,sep,oct
- Bloom Colors:
- white, pink
Wildlife Benefits
- Bees:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
- Butterflies & Moths:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
Keystone Species Ranking
- Caterpillar Keystone:
- ★★☆☆☆ Butterfly & moth species supported by this genus (NWF)
- Pollen Specialist Bee Keystone:
- ★★★☆☆ Native pollen specialist bee species supported by this genus (NWF)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Gaura Flower Moth (Schinia gaurae), Juanita sphinx moth (Proserpinus juanita), Pride of Ohio sphinx (Proserpinus gaurae)
Reported Fauna Sightings
Bees: Common eastern bumble bee (Bombus impatiens)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- bees, butterflies, moths, hummingbirds
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
- Fire Ecology:
- Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
- Fire Notes:
- Resprouts from crown and root system after fire; common in fire-maintained prairies.
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- sandy, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil
- pH:
- 6.0 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- native to prairies and open woodlands
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
- Germination Time:
- 14–30 days
- Notes:
- Seeds require light for germination; surface sow and do not cover.
The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI
Pre-treatment: Single-step cold-moist stratification for temperate woodland species. for 60–120 days
Source: Claude AI