Mountain Evening Primrose

Oenothera pallida subsp. latifolia

Native to:
United States

Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Onagraceae
Genus:
Oenothera
Species:
Oenothera pallida subsp. latifolia
USDA Symbol:
OELA2

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Forb/herb
Height:
50 cm
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
High
Bloom Months:
may,jun,jul,aug
Bloom Colors:
white, pink

Wildlife Benefits

Bees:
★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
Butterflies & Moths:
★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (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, butterflies
Deer Resistant:
Yes
Fragrant:
Yes
Fire Ecology:
Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
Fire Notes:
Resprouts from taproot following fire; common in fire-prone grassland and shrubland communities.

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
sandy, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil
pH:
6.0 - 8.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
dry to moderate
Notes:
native to arid and semi-arid regions

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:
Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
Germination Time:
14–30 days
Notes:
Seeds require light for germination; surface sow and do not cover deeply.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI