Oenothera cespitosa subsp. marginata
Photo: parent species Oenothera cespitosa · (c) James Telford, some rights reserved (CC BY) · licence
Family: Onagraceae · Type: Subshrub · Native
Oenothera cespitosa subsp. marginata is a native California subshrub in the Onagraceae family, recognized by Loosely cespitose O. cespitosa w/ very long hypanthium (65–165 mm), straight cylindric stalked fruit, entire seed-cavity margin; petals….
Tufted evening primrose is a California native perennial found in the Great Basin and Mojave Desert in rocky or sandy sites from pinyon/juniper woodland to pine forest at elevations to 2,400 meters. Flowering from April to August, this plant produces lavender to pink flowers that fade in color over time. Growing in loose tufts with stems forming small clusters, it reaches moderate heights in its rocky mountain habitats. Its leaves form spreading rosettes with a distinctive tufted growth pattern, creating low-spreading mats across granite, limestone, and sandstone terrain. The elongated fruit capsules measure 25 to 68 millimeters long, extending from slender base stalks.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: Loosely cespitose O. cespitosa w/ very long hypanthium (65–165 mm), straight cylindric stalked fruit, entire seed-cavity margin; petals fade lavender-pink
Habitat and range
Habitat: Rocky or sandy sites in granite, limestone, or sandstone soils, pinyon/juniper woodland to pine forest
Elevation: < 2400 m
California counties: Inyo, San Bernardino, Riverside, Mono, Kern, Placer, Alpine
Outside California: western United States
Bloom period
Oenothera cespitosa subsp. marginata blooms Apr-Aug.
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 cespitosa subsp. marginata native to California?
Yes. Oenothera cespitosa subsp. marginata is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Oenothera cespitosa subsp. marginata bloom?
Oenothera cespitosa subsp. marginata blooms Apr-Aug.
Where in California does Oenothera cespitosa subsp. marginata grow?
Oenothera cespitosa subsp. marginata occurs in Inyo, San Bernardino, Riverside, Mono, Kern, Placer, Alpine, at elevations of < 2400 m.
What plant family does Oenothera cespitosa subsp. marginata belong to?
Oenothera cespitosa subsp. marginata is in the Onagraceae family, genus Oenothera.
What habitat does Oenothera cespitosa subsp. marginata grow in?
Oenothera cespitosa subsp. marginata grows in Rocky or sandy sites in granite, limestone, or sandstone soils, pinyon/juniper woodland to pine forest.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · Index of California Plant Names · CalPhotos
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.