Oenothera fruticosa | |
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Scientific classification | |
Kingdom: | Plantae |
Clade: | Tracheophytes |
Clade: | Angiosperms |
Clade: | Eudicots |
Clade: | Rosids |
Order: | Myrtales |
Family: | Onagraceae |
Genus: | Oenothera |
Species: | O. fruticosa |
Binomial name | |
Oenothera fruticosa | |
Oenothera fruticosa, the narrowleaf evening primrose [1] or narrow-leaved sundrops, is a species of flowering plant in the evening primrose family.
It is native to much of eastern North America, [2] where it is found in a variety of open habitats, including dry woodlands, rock outcrops and moist savannas.
It is an erect herbaceous perennial growing to 20–90 cm (8–35 in) tall, with alternative, simple, entire or slightly toothed leaves. The saucer- or cup-shaped yellow flowers, 2.5–5 cm (1–2 in) in diameter, appear in late spring and summer. [3] The fruit is a capsule that is strongly 4-angled or winged and shaped like a club.
Many varieties have been named, but the infraspecific taxonomy of this species is still in an unresolved state.
Oenothera fruticosa is an evening primrose which stands in a height range of 16-36 inches and is a perennial wildflower. Leaves are alternating and lance-shaped, growing 2-3 inches and pubescent. The stem is straight, pubescent, and ranges in color from red-green. The petals are rounded and 1-2 inches long. Flowering is in spring to early summer.
This species was originally described by Carl Linnaeus, which is identified in the name of the species as the authority "L." . The taxonomy of this plant is complex and at times confusing as illustrated by the numerous synonyms, forms, and varieties.
Synonyms for Oenothera fruticosa:
The Oenothera fruticosa has a wide range in the United States which consists of the eastern seaboard (New York- Florida) and as far west as Oklahoma. Within these regions, Oenothera fruticosa prefers lower elevations. In the state of North Carolina which is within its range, this species is found widely around the state except in the mountainous regions.Oenothera fruticosa grows best in sunny areas that have mostly acidic soil conditions and good drainage (sandy soils). The common sundrop is relatively resilient to drought, shade, extreme heat, and varying soil pH. Oenothera fruticosa is mostly found in grassy clearings, meadows, and along roadways in its native range .
Oenothera fruticosa is listed as a species of special concern in Connecticut. [4]
The Cherokee parboil the leaves, rinse them and cook in hot grease as a potherb. [5] In the modern day, the narrow-leaved sundrop is primarily a garden specimen. Historically Oenothera fruticosa was used by Native American tribes for a multitude of ailments. The tribes that used this species included the Iroquois, Cherokee, and Ojibwa. [6] Although the tribes differ, the reasons that they used the narrow-leaf evening primrose, were similar. Its uses included helping with stomach issues, weightloss, bruising, and hemorrhoids. [6] It is unknown at this time if Oenothera fruticosa is medically effective. Oenothera fruticosa has been included in research for breast cancer. [6]
As a garden specimen the narrow-leaved sundrop is used in a variety of different ways. For landscaping, Oenothera fruticosa is used as a barrier or border plant. [7] Not only is the narrow-leaved sundrop used in landscaping, but gardeners include this plant in pollinator gardens, rock gardens, cottage gardens, and native gardens for their ability to attract pollinators and their beautiful yellow petals. [7] Oenothera fruticosa is a host plant of the pearly wood nymph, momphid moths, and primrose moths. [7] The seeds of Oenothera fruticosa are consumed by birds including the eastern goldfinch and mourning dove. [7]
The most common pollinator of Oenothera fruticosa are bees. [8] Specific species of bees, such as Melissodes frimbriatus and Lasioglossum oenothera, seem to specialize on Oenothera fruticosa. [9] In addition to these specialized pollinators, Oenothera fruticosa also attracts songbirds, hummingbirds, and an array of non-bee pollinators to its yellow petals. [9] Oenothera fruticosa is susceptible to heterospecific pollen transfer from pollinators. [10]
The seeds of Oenothera fruticosa are approximately 1-3 mm long and are arranged in two rows within each locule. They also contain a persistent endotegmen that is one cell layer thick. [11] In shape, the seeds are club-like and taper near the stem. [12] The capsule of Oenothera fruticosa is approximately 1 inch in width and are visible May through November. [13] The plants can be propagated by taking tip cuttings and is best conducted with adult plants at the beginning of its growing season (early spring) or late in its growing season (fall). [12] Seeds must be planted in spring or fall and need to be germinated at approximately 70 degrees Fahrenheit. [12]
Oenothera is a genus of about 145 species of herbaceous flowering plants native to the Americas. It is the type genus of the family Onagraceae. Common names include evening primrose, suncups, and sundrops. They are not closely related to the true primroses.
The Onagraceae are a family of flowering plants known as the willowherb family or evening primrose family. They include about 650 species of herbs, shrubs, and trees in 17 genera. The family is widespread, occurring on every continent from boreal to tropical regions.
Epilobium is a genus of flowering plants in the family Onagraceae, containing about 197 species. The genus has a worldwide distribution. It is most prevalent in the subarctic, temperate and subantarctic regions, whereas in the subtropics and tropics Epilobium species are restricted to the cool montane biomes, such as the New Guinea Highlands.
Oenothera speciosa is a species in the evening primrose family known by several common names, including pinkladies, pink evening primrose, showy evening primrose, Mexican primrose, and buttercups.
Oenothera biennis, the common evening-primrose, is a species of flowering plant in the family Onagraceae, native to eastern and central North America, from Newfoundland west to Alberta, southeast to Florida, and southwest to Texas, and widely naturalized elsewhere in temperate and subtropical regions. Evening primrose oil is produced from the plant.
Camissonia, sometimes commonly known as sun cup or sundrop, is a genus of annual and perennial plants in the evening primrose family Onagraceae. A total of 12 species are known, nearly all from western North America, especially in the California Floristic Province, but also one from South America. Previous circumscriptions of the genus had recognized up to 62 species before it was split among other closely related genera.
Collomia is a genus of flowering plants in the family Polemoniaceae. Species in the genus are known generally as trumpets, mountain trumpets, or trumpet flowers. They are native to North America and southern South America. The genus name comes from the Greek kolla ("glue"), a reference to the seeds, which become gelatinous in texture when wet.
Oenothera perennis is a species of flowering plant in the family Onagraceae and is native to the eastern United States and Canada. Its common names include little evening primrose, small sundrops, and small evening primrose. Its native habitats include shaly slopes, moist or dry fields, pastures and roadsides. Oenothera perennis is a perennial herb. It has yellow flowers that open during the day and close at night. Each flower has four petals that are notched at the tip with veins radiating from the base.
Oenothera glazioviana is a species of flowering plant in the evening primrose family known by the common names large-flowered evening-primrose and redsepal evening primrose. Oenothera lamarckiana was formerly believed to be a different species, but is now regarded as a synonym of Oe. glazioviana.
Oenothera macrocarpa, the bigfruit evening primrose, Ozark sundrops, Missouri evening primrose, or Missouri primrose, is a species of flowering plant in the evening primrose family Onagraceae, native to northeast Mexico and the south-central United States, where it is found in calcareous prairies and limestone outcrops.
Oenothera serrulata is a species of flowering plant in the Onagraceae known by the common name yellow sundrops. Other common names include halfshrub sundrop, serrate-leaved evening primrose, shrubby evening primrose, plains yellow primrose, and halfleaf sundrop. It is native to central North America, including central Canada and the central United States.
Oenothera versicolor, the red evening-primrose, is a species of flowering plant in the family Onagraceae, native to South America, from Peru and Ecuador down to Bolivia and Northern Argentina This species is not as common in cultivation as other members of the genus but popular cultivars including 'Sunset Boulevard' are grown in gardens around the temperate world as the plant is hardy down to at least −10 °C (14 °F).
Oenothera tetragona, the glaucous evening primrose, is a species of flowering plant in the family Onagraceae, native to eastern North America, and introduced to Germany, the Czech Republic, and Myanmar. The Royal Horticultural Society considers it a good plant to attract pollinators. There is a cultivar, 'Glaber', also known as 'Clarence Elliott'.
Oenothera pallida, the pale evening-primrose, is a species of flowering plant in the family Onagraceae. It is native to British Columbia, the western United States, and northern Mexico. Flowers start out white and fade to pink.