Oenothera biennis, commonly known as Common Evening Primrose, is a native biennial wildflower found in prairies, open woods, roadsides, and disturbed areas throughout Illinois. It thrives in full sun and well-drained soils, tolerating dry, sandy, or gravelly conditions, making it a resilient plant for naturalized settings and pollinator gardens.
This tall plant typically grows up to 7 feet in its second year and features lance-shaped, toothed leaves arranged alternately along the stem. From mid-summer to early fall, it produces large, lemon-yellow, four-petaled flowers that open in the evening and close by morning—hence the name. These fragrant blooms are pollinated primarily by nocturnal moths, but also attract bees and other insects during early daylight hours.
For Illinois native plant enthusiasts, Oenothera biennis is a valuable addition to wildflower meadows, native borders, and restoration projects. It provides nectar for moths, bees, and butterflies and its seeds are eaten by birds such as finches. It pairs well with other sun-loving, drought-tolerant natives like Black-Eyed Susan, Hoary Vervain, and Purple Prairie Clover in vibrant, pollinator-friendly plantings.
Oenothera biennis, commonly known as Common Evening Primrose, is a native biennial wildflower found in prairies, open woods, roadsides, and disturbed areas throughout Illinois. It thrives in full sun and well-drained soils, tolerating dry, sandy, or gravelly conditions, making it a resilient plant for naturalized settings and pollinator gardens.
This tall plant typically grows up to 7 feet in its second year and features lance-shaped, toothed leaves arranged alternately along the stem. From mid-summer to early fall, it produces large, lemon-yellow, four-petaled flowers that open in the evening and close by morning—hence the name. These fragrant blooms are pollinated primarily by nocturnal moths, but also attract bees and other insects during early daylight hours.
For Illinois native plant enthusiasts, Oenothera biennis is a valuable addition to wildflower meadows, native borders, and restoration projects. It provides nectar for moths, bees, and butterflies and its seeds are eaten by birds such as finches. It pairs well with other sun-loving, drought-tolerant natives like Black-Eyed Susan, Hoary Vervain, and Purple Prairie Clover in vibrant, pollinator-friendly plantings.
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)
