Tall Evening Primrose
Oenothera elata · Onagraceae
- Form
- Perennial herb
- Height
- 2-6 ft
- Sun
- Full Sun
- Water
- Moderate High
- Blooms
- Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
🌿 California native
Quick facts
- Habitat: Wetland, Riparian, moist openings
- Form / size: Upright perennial, 2-6 ft
- Sun: Full sun · Water: Moderate to high
- Blooms: Summer-fall · Pollinator value: High
Description
A tall, open, yellow-flowered evening primrose of moist ground. The large flowers open in the evening and age quickly, leaving a loose, vertical plant with lance-shaped leaves and long developing seed capsules.
Wildlife & pollinators
Evening-opening flowers are useful for moths and night-active pollinators, while native bees visit during the day. Seeds feed small birds.
Habitat & range
Stream edges, wet meadows, ditches, pond margins, and damp disturbed openings. It is especially noticeable where summer moisture persists after surrounding slopes have dried.
In the garden
Good in rain gardens, bioswales, pond edges, and informal native beds with seasonal moisture. It can self-sow where happy.
Propagation
From seed. Sow in fall or winter; young plants like moisture and open sun.
Where to see it near you
- iNaturalist — observed in Southern California
- Wet ditches, marsh edges, and creekside openings.
Problems
Can reseed in irrigated soil. Cut seed heads if you need to keep it contained.
Sources
Commonly confused with
California Poppy 🌿 Eschscholzia californica also yellow/orange, but poppy is lower with finely divided leaves. 
