Colorado Springs Evening Primrose

Oenothera harringtonii

Native to:
United States
Colorado Springs Evening Primrose

Juanita A. R. Ladyman, Ph.D., USDA FS

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Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Onagraceae
Genus:
Oenothera
Species:
Oenothera harringtonii
USDA Symbol:
OEHA6

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Annual
Growth Habit:
Forb/herb
Height:
30 cm
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
High
Bloom Months:
may,jun,jul
Bloom Colors:
yellow

Wildlife Benefits

Bees:
★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (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)

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:
bees, moths
Deer Resistant:
Yes
Fragrant:
Yes

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 sandy plains and prairies

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:
Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
Germination Time:
14–30 days
Notes:
Seeds may germinate better with light exposure. Cold stratification improves germination rates.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI

Pre-treatment: Cold-moist stratification for 30 days at 1–5°C (34–41°F).

Source: Claude AI