Sun Exposure: Sun, Part Sun
Soil Moisture: Medium-Wet, Medium, Medium-Dry
Soil Type: Loam, Sand, Clay
Height: 1.5 - 2 feet
Spread: 2 feet
Blooms: May, June
Root: Rhizomes
Habitat: Prairies, Abandoned pastures, Marsh edges
Landscape uses: Pollinator garden, Naturalized areas, Rain gardens
Wildlife Value: The flowers are pollinated primarily by long-tongued bees, butterflies, and skippers. Host Plant: Momphid moths
Seed Origin: Winona, MN (Prairie Moon seed supplier)
Germination Code: A
Photo credits: #1 by Eric Hunt, #2 by Geolina163
Oenothera pilosella -Prairie Sundrops
Prairie Sundrops is a member of the Evening Primrose (Oenothera) family, but this species is actually day-flowering, and emits a pleasant fragrance. This is a short species, getting only to 2 feet. The blooming period occurs during late spring or early summer and lasts about a month. This plant will spread in the right conditions, forming a mat of bright blooms. For strong upright stems, plant Prairie Sundrops in moist soils and near full sun. It can tolerate periods of drought and light shade as well.
The new growth during early spring and older foliage during the fall often acquire reddish tints. The petals have fine translucent lines that radiate from the center of the flower. These lines function as nectar guides, and they are more visible to insects, who see in the ultraviolet spectrum. Large showy stamens are exserted above the petals. Droves of long-tonqued bees, butterflies, and skippers are drawn to the prolific pollen these plants produce.