Oenothera biennis Linn Common evening primrose, Nightly primrose

This native biennial plant can be 8' tall, although it is often shorter. There is usually a central stem with alternate leaves, but sometimes there will be multiple stems in open areas, creating a bushy appearance. The stems are light green or red, and are covered with white hairs. The light or olive green leaves are up to 8" long and 2" wide, but usually smaller. They are lanceolate and resemble willow leaves. The margins of the leaves are smooth or slightly dentate, and are nearly hairless. Smaller secondary leaves often appear at the axils of major leaves on the central stem. A panicle of pale yellow flowers occurs at the apex of the plant (or at the ends of major stems, if the plant is bushy).

During the first year of growth, the roots can be cooked and eaten. This plant maintains a symbiotic relationship to endomycorrhizal bacteria.

20 seeds