Yellow evening primrose

These nighttime blooms open when the sun sets and emit a delightful fragrance, too.

Evening Primrose

Yellow evening primrose is a sweet little wildflower that does well in almost any part of the U.S. As the name suggests, the yellow evening primrose blooms at night. Learn more growing info in this article.

Yellow flower of Evening Primrose, lat. Oenothera, isolated on white background

Fragrant and showy, Oenothera biennis (Common Evening Primrose) is an erect biennial featuring large, bowl-shaped, lemon-scented, yellow flowers, up to 2 in. across (5 cm), at the top of a stiff, purple-tinged flower stem. Blooming profusely from early summer to early fall, the flowers open in the evening and remain open through late morning. They rise on leafy, branched stems from a basal rosette of oblong, long medium green leaves.

Evening Primrose is considered a loved wildflower to some and an annoying weed to others. In historical folklore, evening primrose are said to represent fickleness. Those practicing witchcraft also recommended using the plant while bathing to increase desirability to potential lovers and friends. Oil from the leaves and seeds can be used in creams to aid in healing and relieve itching and redness of skin caused by eczema, wounds, or burns. Ingesting the oil has also been found to improve…