Oenothera glazioviana
Red sepaled evening primrose
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Family: Onagraceae · Type: Herb · Not Native
Oenothera glazioviana (Red sepaled evening primrose) is a non-native California herb in the Onagraceae family, recognized by crinkled leaves and large sepal tips distinctive.
Red sepaled evening primrose is a naturalized biennial found in northwestern, central western, and southwestern California in disturbed places at elevations below 500 meters. Flowering from June to September, this plant produces yellow flowers that fade to red-orange, with distinctive red-based sepals in spikes. Growing with erect stems 5 to 15 decimeters tall and densely covered in strigose hairs with long, spreading characteristics, it has a notably hairy appearance. Its cauline leaves are 5 to 15 centimeters long, elliptic to lanceolate, with crinkled edges that are dentate to nearly entire. The cylindric fruits are 20 to 35 millimeters long and nearly straight, carrying irregularly pitted seeds.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 17 sympatric species; crinkled leaves and large sepal tips distinctive
Habitat and range
Habitat: Disturbed places
Elevation: < 500 m
California counties: Alameda, Humboldt, San Luis Obispo, Mendocino, Del Norte, Santa Barbara, Sutter, Trinity, Los Angeles, San Mateo, Napa, Ventura, Marin
Outside California: +- worldwide.
Bloom period
Oenothera glazioviana blooms Jun-Sep.
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 glazioviana native to California?
No. Oenothera glazioviana is not native to California (recorded as not native).
When does Oenothera glazioviana bloom?
Oenothera glazioviana blooms Jun-Sep.
Where in California does Oenothera glazioviana grow?
Oenothera glazioviana occurs in Alameda, Humboldt, San Luis Obispo, Mendocino, Del Norte, Santa Barbara, Sutter, Trinity and other counties, at elevations of < 500 m.
What plant family does Oenothera glazioviana belong to?
Oenothera glazioviana is in the Onagraceae family, genus Oenothera.
What habitat does Oenothera glazioviana grow in?
Oenothera glazioviana grows in Disturbed places.
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.