Oakes' Evening Primrose
Oenothera oakesiana
- Native to:
- Canada, Prince Edward I., United States
Stanley A. Cain
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Onagraceae
- Genus:
- Oenothera
- Species:
- Oenothera oakesiana
- USDA Symbol:
- OEOA
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Biennial
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb
- Height:
- 100 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- Medium
- Bloom Months:
- jun,jul,aug,sep
- Bloom Colors:
- yellow
Wildlife Benefits
- Bees:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
- Caterpillars:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)
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
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)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- bees, moths, birds
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
- Salt Tolerant:
- Yes
- Fragrant:
- Yes
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
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
- Germination Time:
- 14–30 days
- Notes:
- Light aids germination; surface sow or barely cover seeds.
The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI