Friday, August 29, 2008

Oenothera Biennis, a.k.a. Evening Primrose




This North-American native is abundant around here in the wild. I suspect most gardeners consider it to be a weed, for that reason. Their loss: not only are the flowers lovely, but the seed-pods attract gold finches. The tough pods can be seen in the fall and winter looking progressively more chewed. I collected the seeds from a power easement last year.

This plant grows best in disturbed sites with poor, dry soil, which describes my front beds perfectly. They are a transition plant in the wild, being the first to appear in disturbed areas. They are then replaced by other plants.

This plant is biennial, so I am surprised to see it flowering this year.

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