Oenothera biennis (Native)

Habitat: The members of this complex are common inhabitants of fields, pastures, roadsides, clearings, and other open, disturbed habitats throughout the state.

Wildlife value: Flowers open in the evening and close in the morning. They are fertilized by night-flying moths which are attracted by the mild lemon flower fragrance and by bees in the early morning before closure. Larvae of the Primrose moth feed on the flower buds.  Seeds attracts birds. Members of the genus Oenothera support the specialized bees.

Notes: This fragrant flower produces a profusion of yellow flowers that open in the evening and close in the morning. This species blooms in its second year. This plant is included in the Homegrown National Park: Container Gardening with Keystones list.