Flowers open in the evening and close by midday, releasing a sweet fragrance to attract night pollinators like moths.
While moths are the primary pollinators, flowers are also visited by native bees and beetles, making it valuable for a range of insects.
Seeds are the source of evening primrose oil, used in herbal medicine for skin health and hormonal balance. Historically, Native Americans used roots and leaves for teas and poultices.
Roots of first-year plants were historically eaten as a cooked vegetable, sometimes called “king’s cure-all.”
Seeds are eaten by birds and small mammals, while the plant provides nectar for pollinators and foliage for some caterpillars.
Flowers open in the evening and close by midday, releasing a sweet fragrance to attract night pollinators like moths.
While moths are the primary pollinators, flowers are also visited by native bees and beetles, making it valuable for a range of insects.
Seeds are the source of evening primrose oil, used in herbal medicine for skin health and hormonal balance. Historically, Native Americans used roots and leaves for teas and poultices.
Roots of first-year plants were historically eaten as a cooked vegetable, sometimes called “king’s cure-all.”
Seeds are eaten by birds and small mammals, while the plant provides nectar for pollinators and foliage for some caterpillars.
Bloom: mid-summer to fall
Habitats: abandoned fields; glades; lakeshore dunes; mesic to dry black soil prairies; roadsides and railroads; sand prairies; slopes of drainage ditches; thickets; vacant lots
Lifespan: biennial
Moisture: mesic
Plant type (height): forb (up to 7 feet)
Requirements: full sun
Soil: somewhat sandy soil (other growing conditions are tolerated)
