Description
Oenothera macrocarpa, commonly called Missouri Primrose or Missouri Evening Primrose, is a native perennial forb (wildflower) which occurs on limestone glades and bluffs and rocky prairies in the Ozark region south of the Missouri River. Long spring to summer bloom period. Flowers are followed by somewhat unique, winged seed pods.
Wildlife notes
Sphinx moths pollinate the flowers while seeking nectar. Various bees may visit the flowers to collect pollen during the early morning or evening, but they are too small to be effective pollinators. Little information is available about this plant’s relationships to birds or mammals.
Forage notes
No available information at this time. Please let us know if you have any experience with this species.
Landscaping notes
Easily grown in average, dry to medium, well-drained soil in full sun. Tolerates poor and/or limy soils, drought and some light shade. Easily grown from seed and will self-seed under optimum growing conditions. Root rot may occur in wet, poorly drained soils. Best in border fronts or rock gardens. Also effective in wild gardens, meadows, cottage gardens or native plant gardens. A showy plant which can be grown in poor, dryish soils.
Restoration notes
Habitats include hill prairies and limestone glades.