Featured Plant - Missouri Evening Primrose
Missouri Evening Primrose (Oenothera macrocarpa) is a creeping, low growing wildflower that provides a lovely pop of yellow to late summer evenings.
Blooming from May through August, Missouri Evening Primrose is primarily found in the south-central US but healthy populations are also present in Wyoming and Montana.
Growing to 12 inches in height, this summer bloomer’s main attraction is its unique, large seed bods - macro = big and carpa = seed. Its extensive bloom time and prolific flowers ensure a good self-seeding rate, but fear not - this perennial will likely come back year after year.
This wildflower thrives in full sun but it will tolerate light shade. It will grow well in dry, depleted soils however the prime conditions include quick=draining sites. If planted in rich soils, this low growing plant will have a hard time competing with taller plants.
The night-time blooming characteristic of Missouri Evening Primrose attracts niche nocturnal pollinators, including sphinx moths.
Plant Missouri Evening Primrose with Purple Prairie Coneflower, Prairie Junegrass, and Common Yarrow.
Missouri Evening Primrose is hardy to zones 5 - 9.
Bloom Time: May - August | Water Use: Low - Medium |
Bloom Color: Yellow | Sun: Full Sun - Full Shade |
Plant Height: 1ft | Hardiness: 5 - 9 |
Sources:
Photos provided by GBNP
Range map by BONAP 2013
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