Oenothera biennis

Common Name: 
common evening primrose
Scientific Name: 
Oenothera biennis L.
Family Name: 
Onagraceae - Evening Primrose Family
Identification Notes
Life Cycle
native biennial, reproducing by seed
Stems
upright, second year, leafy, often purple or reddish, often branched above only
Stems of Common Eveningprimrose
Stems of Common Eveningprimrose
Stems of Common Eveningprimrose
Stems of Common Eveningprimrose
Stems of Common Eveningprimrose
Stems of Common Eveningprimrose
Leaves
first year basal leaves, elliptic to lanceolate, wavy margins, prominent white mid-vein, basal rosette; second year stem leaves, alternate, smaller with height, sessile
Leaves of Common Eveningprimrose
Leaves of Common Eveningprimrose
Leaves of Common Eveningprimrose
Leaves of Common Eveningprimrose
Flowers
4-petaled, bright yellow, stigma X-shaped, sepal turned down against stem; axillary and terminal above; long flowering period, flowers open late afternoon and evening
Flowers of Common Eveningprimrose
Seed Pods
capsule, upright, hairy
Seedpods of Common Eveningprimrose