Oenothera ID

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I was given this little "evening primrose", an Oenothera species, by gardening friend Marsha Russell who lives nearby. It is rather different than most Oenothera, starting out with the typical rosettes, but then springing with stiff woody stems to about 12", with small cauline leaves along the length, some larger leaves near the top, and sprouting very small bright yellow flowers all summer long.

Comments

Lori S. (not verified)

Re: Oenothera ID

Mon, 02/14/2011 - 12:06pm

Just wondering if Calylophus might be a possibility? Not sure how likely this is... I think recall reading that one of the two (Oenothera and Calylophus, I mean) has a 3-part style while the other has a 4-part style... ?

Mark McDonough

Re: Oenothera ID

Mon, 02/14/2011 - 12:34pm

Skulski wrote:

Just wondering if Calylophus might be a possibility? Not sure how likely this is... I think recall reading that one of the two (Oenothera and Calylophus, I mean) has a 3-part style while the other has a 4-part style... ?

Species of Oenothera seem to float in and out of both Calylophus and Camissonia, and several other genera, so they're all possibilities. In a few minutes search, I haven't found a good up-to-date online resource to delineate differences between the "genera", or a good breakdown of the genera in Onagraceae.

Mark McDonough

Re: Oenothera ID

Mon, 02/14/2011 - 4:44pm

Lis wrote:

Maybe this is too simple but your plant looks just like the O. perennis that grows naturally in Eastern Ontario. Could it be that?

Thanks Lis, I think maybe that's it, there are lots and lots of web pages and photos on O. perennis, and they look similar to my plant. Thanks for the suggestion. :D

http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=OEPE