Oenothera fruticosa

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Oenothera fruticosa
Oenothera fruticosa Cumberland Plateau.jpg
Scientific classification Red Pencil Icon.png
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Rosids
Order: Myrtales
Family: Onagraceae
Genus: Oenothera
Species:
O. fruticosa
Binomial name
Oenothera fruticosa
L.
Drawing of Oenothera fruitcosa Naturalis Biodiversity Center - L.2096362 - Meerburg, N. - Oenothera fruticosa Linnaeus - Artwork.jpeg
Drawing of Oenothera fruitcosa

Oenothera fruticosa, the narrowleaf evening primrose [1] or narrow-leaved sundrops, is a species of flowering plant in the evening primrose family.

Contents

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.

Description

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.

Taxonomy

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:

Distribution and habitat

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 .

Pollen of Oenothera fruticosa Oenothera fruticosa pollen01.jpg
Pollen of Oenothera fruticosa

Conservation status

Oenothera fruticosa is listed as a species of special concern in Connecticut. [4]

Uses

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 aliments. 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]

Pollinators

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]  

Seed morphology and propagation

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]

Related Research Articles

<i>Oenothera</i> Genus of plants

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.

<i>Epilobium</i> Genus of flowering plants in the willowherb family Onagraceae

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.

<i>Oenothera speciosa</i> Species of flowering plant

Oenothera speciosa is a species in the Oenothera family known by several common names, including pinkladies, pink evening primrose, showy evening primrose, Mexican primrose, amapola, and buttercups.

<i>Oenothera biennis</i> Species of flowering plant

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.

<i>Camissonia</i> Genus of flowering plants

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.

<i>Kalmia angustifolia</i> Species of shrub

Kalmia angustifolia is a flowering shrub in the family Ericaceae, commonly known as sheep laurel. It is distributed in eastern North America from Ontario and Quebec south to Virginia. It grows commonly in dry habitats in the boreal forest, and may become dominant over large areas after fire or logging. Like many plant species of infertile habitats it has evergreen leaves and mycorrhizal associations with fungi. It is also found in drier area of peat bogs.

<i>Oenothera elata</i> Species of flowering plant

Oenothera elata is a species of Oenothera known by the common name Hooker's evening primrose or tall evening primrose. Subspecies include hookeri, hirsutissima, longisima, jamesii, villosa and elata. It is native to much of western and central North America. The plants are quite tall, especially the hookeri subspecies, native to California, which can reach about 1.8 meters height. The plants are found along roadsides, in moist meadows, or woodland, from sea level up to 9,000 ft (2,700 m) in elevation.

<i>Oenothera perennis</i> Species of flowering plant

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.

<i>Oenothera glazioviana</i> Species of flowering plant

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.

<i>Oenothera macrocarpa</i> Species of flowering plant

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.

<i>Calylophus serrulatus</i> Species of flowering plant

Calylophus serrulatus 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.

<i>Oenothera berlandieri</i> Species of flowering plant

Oenothera berlandieri, commonly called Berlandier's sundrops, is a species of flowering plant in the evening primrose family (Onagraceae). It is native to North America, where it is found primarily in the south central region of the United States and in northern Mexico. Its natural habitat is dry prairies, often in rocky or sandy calcareous areas.

<i>Oenothera versicolor</i> Species of flowering plant

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).

<i>Oenothera tetragona</i> Species of plant in the family Onagraceae

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'.

References

  1. Oenothera fruticosa L., USDA PLANTS
  2. "Floristic synthesis map" (PNG). Bonap.net. Retrieved 22 October 2016.
  3. RHS A-Z encyclopedia of garden plants. United Kingdom: Dorling Kindersley. 2008. p. 1136. ISBN   978-1-4053-3296-5.
  4. "Plants Profile for Oenothera fruticosa (narrowleaf evening primrose)". plants.usda.gov. Retrieved 24 December 2017.
  5. Perry, Myra Jean, 1975, Food Use of 'Wild' Plants by Cherokee Indians, The University of Tennessee, M.S. Thesis, page 49
  6. 1 2 3 "USDA Plants Database". plants.usda.gov. Retrieved 2021-11-19.
  7. 1 2 3 4 "Oenothera fruticosa (Narrow-leaf Evening Primrose, Southern Sundrops, Sundrops) | North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox". plants.ces.ncsu.edu. Retrieved 2021-10-13.
  8. Silander, John A.; Primack, Richard B. (1978). "Pollination Intensity and Seed Set in the Evening Primrose (Oenothera fruticosa)". The American Midland Naturalist. 100 (1): 213–216. doi:10.2307/2424791. ISSN   0003-0031.
  9. 1 2 "Oenothera fruticosa (Narrow-leaf Evening Primrose, Southern Sundrops, Sundrops) | North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox". plants.ces.ncsu.edu. Retrieved 2021-10-13.
  10. Smith, Gerard X.; Swartz, Mark T.; Spigler, Rachel B. (2021). "Causes and consequences of variation in heterospecific pollen receipt in Oenothera fruticosa". American Journal of Botany. 108 (9): 1612–1624. doi: 10.1002/ajb2.1720 . ISSN   1537-2197.
  11. Tobe, Hiroshi; Wagner, Warren L.; Chin, Hui-Chen (1987). "A Systematic and Evolutionary Study of Oenothera (Onagraceae): Seed Coat Anatomy". Botanical Gazette. 148 (2): 235–257. ISSN   0006-8071.
  12. 1 2 3 "USDA Plants Database". plants.usda.gov. Retrieved 2021-11-19.
  13. "Oenothera fruticosa (Narrow-leaf Evening Primrose, Southern Sundrops, Sundrops) | North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox". plants.ces.ncsu.edu. Retrieved 2021-10-13.

Further reading