Taxonomy

Division:

Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants

Family:

Onagraceae

Genus:

Oenothera

Species:

Oenothera laciniata

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:

Annual | Perennial

Growth Habit:

Forb/herb

Height:

1-2 ft

Light Requirements:

Full Sun

Drought Tolerance:

High

Bloom Months:

apr, sep

Bloom Colors:

yellow

Ground Cover:

Yes

Native Range

United States: Alabama, Arkansas, California, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Guam, Hawaii, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, North Dakota, Nebraska, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, U.S. Minor Outlying Islands, Virginia, Vermont, Wisconsin, West Virginia, Wyoming, Canada: Ontario

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, nutrient-poor, well-drained soil

pH:

5.5 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)

Drainage:

excellent drainage required

Moisture:

dry to moderate

Notes:

thrives in disturbed areas and open habitats