Oenothera pilosella, commonly known as Prairie Sundrops, is a native perennial found in prairies, roadsides, and disturbed areas across Illinois. It thrives in full sun and well-drained soils, often forming colonies through its spreading roots.
This plant features silvery, downy leaves and produces bright yellow, funnel-shaped flowers that open in the evening and close by morning, attracting night-pollinating insects like moths. It blooms from summer to fall, providing a late-season nectar source.
For Illinois native plant enthusiasts, Oenothera pilosella is a charming and low-maintenance addition to gardens, prairies, and pollinator habitats. It adds color and supports wildlife while thriving in less fertile soils.
Oenothera pilosella, commonly known as Prairie Sundrops, is a native perennial found in prairies, roadsides, and disturbed areas across Illinois. It thrives in full sun and well-drained soils, often forming colonies through its spreading roots.
This plant features silvery, downy leaves and produces bright yellow, funnel-shaped flowers that open in the evening and close by morning, attracting night-pollinating insects like moths. It blooms from summer to fall, providing a late-season nectar source.
For Illinois native plant enthusiasts, Oenothera pilosella is a charming and low-maintenance addition to gardens, prairies, and pollinator habitats. It adds color and supports wildlife while thriving in less fertile soils.
Bloom: late spring to early summer
Habitats: abandoned pastures; edges of pothole marshes; moist to mesic black soil prairies; prairie remnants along railroads
Lifespan: perennial
Moisture: moist
Plant type (height): forb (up to 2 feet)
Requirements: full sun
Soil: loamy soil with high organic content
