Oenothera avita subsp. eurekensis
Eureka dunes evening-primrose, Eureka Dunes Evening-Primrose
Photo: parent species Oenothera avita · Photo by Chez Brungraber
Family: Onagraceae · Type: Herb · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 1B.2 · Delisted
Oenothera avita subsp. eurekensis (Eureka dunes evening-primrose) is a native California herb in the Onagraceae family, recognized by 0 sympatric species.
Eureka dunes evening-primrose is a rare (CNPS 1B.2) California native perennial found in northern Mojave Desert regions, specifically in the Eureka Valley of northeastern Inyo County, inhabiting sandy dune environments at elevations of 900 to 1,200 meters. Flowering from March to May, this plant produces delicate pale yellow to white flowers with distinctive wavy petals. Growing with stems that form new rosettes at their tips and reaching moderate heights, it develops fleshy roots and dense hair covering. Its cauline leaves are triangular to ovate, ranging from entire to slightly toothed edges, with a mix of short appressed and long spreading hairs. The fruit develops 30 to 70 millimeters long, reflecting its distinctive adaptations to harsh desert dune environments.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: Geographically isolated; 0 sympatric species
Habitat and range
Habitat: Dunes, generally with
Elevation: 900-1200 m
California counties: Inyo
Bloom period
Oenothera avita subsp. eurekensis blooms Mar-May.
Conservation status
CNPS 1B.2 · Delisted
How to tell it apart
vs Camissoniopsis: Oenothera has a 4-lobed cross-shaped stigma; Camissoniopsis has a round stigma and four-angled fruits.; vs Clarkia: Oenothera has 4-lobed stigma and yellow flowers; Clarkia has round stigma and pink/purple flowers.; vs Rosa: Oenothera has 4 petals and capsule fruits; Rosa has 5+ petals and rose hips.; vs Convolvulus: Oenothera has separate petals; Convolvulus has fused trumpet-shaped flowers (morning glory family).; vs Taraxia: Oenothera has robust stems with 4-lobed stigma; Taraxia is stemless with flowers at ground level.
Frequently asked questions
Is Oenothera avita subsp. eurekensis native to California?
Yes. Oenothera avita subsp. eurekensis is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Oenothera avita subsp. eurekensis bloom?
Oenothera avita subsp. eurekensis blooms Mar-May.
Where in California does Oenothera avita subsp. eurekensis grow?
Oenothera avita subsp. eurekensis occurs in Inyo, at elevations of 900-1200 m.
What plant family does Oenothera avita subsp. eurekensis belong to?
Oenothera avita subsp. eurekensis is in the Onagraceae family, genus Oenothera.
Is Oenothera avita subsp. eurekensis rare or endangered?
Oenothera avita subsp. eurekensis carries California Rare Plant Rank 1B.2, state rank S2.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CalPhotos · CDFW CNDDB
Last updated 2026-10-07
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.