Oenothera elata
Evening primrose
Photo by Chez Brungraber
Family: Onagraceae · Type: Herb · Native
Oenothera elata (Evening primrose) is a native California herb in the Onagraceae family.
Evening primrose is a California native biennial found in various bioregions in open grasslands, disturbed areas, and along roadsides. Flowering from May to September, this plant produces bright yellow flowers that fade to red-orange, with large blossoms 25 to 52 millimeters long. Growing with erect stems 30 to 100 centimeters tall, it is densely covered in fine strigose hairs and occasional glandular patches. Its cauline leaves range from 4 to 25 centimeters long, oblanceolate to lanceolate in shape, with slightly toothed or nearly entire margins. The elongated fruit is narrowly lanceolate, 20 to 65 millimeters long, showcasing the plant's distinctive transformation from vibrant yellow blooms to reddish-orange hues.
Habitat and range
California counties: Inyo, Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Diego, San Bernardino, Mono, Monterey, Santa Cruz, Santa Clara, Tulare, Modoc, Contra Costa, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Tuolumne, Placer, San Mateo, Ventura, El Dorado, Madera, Mariposa
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 elata native to California?
Yes. Oenothera elata is native to California (recorded as native).
Where in California does Oenothera elata grow?
Oenothera elata occurs in Inyo, Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Diego, San Bernardino, Mono, Monterey and other counties.
What plant family does Oenothera elata belong to?
Oenothera elata is in the Onagraceae family, genus Oenothera.
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.