Common evening primrose will often appear on its own in disturbed sites. It is the most abundant primrose in Missouri. As a biennial, it grows basal foliage during its first year and blooms the second year. The lemon-scented flowers open in the evening and and are usually finished blooming by noon the following day. At night, they are pollinated by moths.
It has a long history as a medicinal plant, and in Europe (where it was introduced) goes by the common name King's Cure-all. It is grown commercially to extract EPO (evening primrose oil), a dietary supplement. A little research will show that all parts of the plant are edible.
Uses: Edible, medicinal, pollinators
Bloom time: June - October
Height: 3 to 7 feet
Space: 2 to 3 feet
Sun: Full sun to light shade
Moisture: Dry to average
Seed should be sown fall through spring and requires light to germinate.
- 200+ seeds per packet
- 90,000 seeds per ounce
- 1 ounce per 3,000 square feet
