Oakes' Evening Primrose
Oenothera oakesiana
Stanley A. Cain
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Onagraceae
- Genus:
- Oenothera
- Species:
- Oenothera oakesiana
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Biennial
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb
- Height:
- 6-8 ft
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- High
- Bloom Months:
- jun, aug
- Bloom Colors:
- Yellow
Native Range
United States: Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, North Carolina, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Virginia, Vermont, Wisconsin, Canada: Manitoba, New Brunswick, Ontario, Quebec
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:
- 5.5 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- prefers open, sunny locations