Evening Primrose
Oenothera biennis
PLANT NAME
Evening Primrose
COMMON NAMES
Sundrop, fever plant, night willow-herb
BOTANICAL NAME
Oenothera biennis
IDENTIFICATION
A biennial plant native to the Americas. Features a tall stalk with lance-shaped leaves and bright yellow, four-petaled flowers that open in the evening and close by noon the following day.
IDENTIFICATION IMAGE
AI ART TO BE GENERATED
PARTS TRADITIONALLY USED
Seeds (for oil), leaves, roots, and flowers.
CULINARY USES
Roots are edible and can be boiled like potatoes. Young shoots can be eaten as a salad green.
TRADITIONAL USES
Native Americans used poultices from the plant for bruises and wounds, and stem juices for soothing skin inflammations. Today, the seed oil is commonly used for eczema, PMS, and rheumatoid arthritis due to its gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) content.
GROWING / HARVESTING
Thrives in poor, sandy, or well-drained soils in full sun. Seeds are harvested in late summer or autumn of the second year.
SAFETY / CAUTION
Generally safe. May cause mild gastrointestinal upset or headache. May interact with blood thinners or seizure medications. Always consult your doctor.
RELATED PLANTS
Other Oenothera species.