Evening Primrose
Evening Primrose
Botanical name: Oneothera biennis
Bloom type: Biennial
An upright biennial in the Onagraceae family, Evening Primrose commonly grows in fields, prairies, glades, thickets, waste ground, disturbed sites, and along roadsides and railroad right-of-ways. This plant naturalizes easily and works well planted along boarders or makes an excellent addition to a wildflower, cottage, or herb garden. It is highly drought tolerant. Flowers open at dusk and close again in the morning when hit by sun, hence the common name of evening primrose. Fruits are capsules (narrow seed pods to 1 1/2” long) which split open when ripe to release numerous seeds (to 100 seeds per capsule). Plants die after setting seed, but will naturalize in the landscape.
Wildlife Value: Flowers are fertilized by night-flying moths which are attracted by the mild lemon flower fragrance and by bees in the early morning before closure. Larvae of the Primrose moth (Schinia florida) feed on the flower buds. Seeds attracts birds. Members of the genus Oenothera support the following specialized bees: Melissodes (Apomelissodes) fimbriatus and Lasioglossum (Sphecodogastra) oenotherae.
Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: No serious insect or disease problems. Leaf spot and powdery mildew may occur.
Regions: Mostly eastern and central North America
Evening Primrose has a range of traditional and modern medicinal uses, particularly due to the oil extracted from its seeds:
- Essential Fatty Acids: Evening Primrose oil is rich in gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), an omega-6 fatty acid that has anti-inflammatory properties. It is used to support skin health, reduce inflammation, and improve conditions such as eczema and psoriasis.
- Hormonal Balance: The oil is believed to help balance hormones and alleviate symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and menopause. It may help reduce symptoms such as mood swings, breast tenderness, and hot flashes.
- Joint Health: Evening Primrose oil is used to reduce inflammation and pain in conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. It can help improve joint mobility and reduce stiffness.
- Skin Health: The oil is applied topically or taken orally to improve skin hydration, elasticity, and overall appearance. It is used in the treatment of dry skin, acne, and rosacea.
- Topical Application: Evening Primrose oil can be applied directly to the skin to treat dryness, inflammation, or other skin conditions. Use a few drops and massage gently into the affected area.
Information sourced from the NC Master Gardener Plant Toolbox
