Nodding Evening Primrose
Oenothera nutans
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Onagraceae
- Genus:
- Oenothera
- Species:
- Oenothera nutans
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Biennial
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb
- Height:
- 6-8 ft
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- High
- Bloom Months:
- jun, jul, aug, sep
- Bloom Colors:
- Yellow
Native Range
United States: Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Missouri, North Carolina, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, Vermont, West Virginia, 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)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Albuna pyramidalis, Bedstraw Hawk-moth (Hyles gallii), double-banded carpet moth (Spargania magnoliata), Eudryas brevipennis, Euhagena emphytiformis, Grammia arge, Mompha argentimaculella, Mompha eloisella, Mompha stellella, Nessus sphinx (Amphion floridensis), Pearl Crescent (Eudryas unio), Phtheochroa oenotherana, Pride of Ohio sphinx (Proserpinus gaurae), Primrose Moth (Schinia florida), White-lined sphinx moth (Hyles lineata)
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 or rocky open areas
Germination Information
Pre-treatment: Cold-moist stratification for 30 days at 1–5°C (34–41°F).
Source: OpenAI GPT-4o