Common Name: White Evening Primrose
Scientific Name: Oenothera pallida
Native / Introduced: Native
Main Uses:
~Erosion control
~Wildflower plantings
~As a pollinator
Height: 1/2 - 1 1/2 feet
Colors: White to pale pink
Flowering Season: Mid-spring to early fall
Soil Types: Loam, sand or gravelly
Tolerances: Drought
Sun or Shade: Full sun
Minimum Precipitation: 10 - 14 inches
Lifecycle: Perennial
Planting Seed Rate: 2 lbs/acre
Estimated Seeds Per Pound: 850,000
Optimal Planting Season: Fall
Planting Depth: 1/8 inch deep
Stratification Requirements: None
Category: Forbs
 
Description:
White Evening Primrose, also known as Pale Evening Primrose, is a drought-tolerant perennial plant that has a low-growing habit and thrives when exposed to full sunlight. Its eye-catching white flowers are in full bloom from May through September, adding a touch of elegance to the landscape. This hardy plant is particularly well-suited to environments such as valleys, foothills, and dry, open areas characterized by sandy or gravelly soil. It's equally at home in various natural settings, ranging from desert regions to mountainous terrain and open plains.
 
White Evening Primrose is highly regarded for its utility in erosion control and beautification projects. Its ability to withstand dry and challenging conditions, combined with its attractive floral display, makes it a popular choice for enhancing landscapes, preventing soil erosion, and adding aesthetic appeal to both natural and cultivated areas.
 
Resources:
NRCS Plant Profile: https://plants.usda.gov/home/plantProfile?symbol=OEPA
Additional Resources: https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=oepa
 
Photo Credit: Matt Lavin