Oenothera caespitosa, known commonly as tufted evening primrose, desert evening primrose, rock-rose evening primrose, or fragrant evening primrose, is a perennial plant of the genus Oenothera native to much of western and central North America, in habitats such as talus slopes and sandy plains.[1] It is normally night-blooming.[2]
Oenothera caespitosa | |
---|---|
![]() | |
Oenothera caespitosa var. marginata | |
Scientific classification ![]() | |
Kingdom: | Plantae |
Clade: | Tracheophytes |
Clade: | Angiosperms |
Clade: | Eudicots |
Clade: | Rosids |
Order: | Myrtales |
Family: | Onagraceae |
Genus: | Oenothera |
Species: | O. caespitosa |
Binomial name | |
Oenothera caespitosa | |
The plant is considered good for rock gardens. There are many subtaxa, referred to as subspecies or varieties.
Oenothera caespitosa grows to 10 centimeters (4 inches) tall. It produces a rosette of lobed or toothed leaves each up to 36 centimetres (14 in) long around a woody caudex. It has no stems, with flowers and leaves growing directly from the root crown.[1] The four-petaled white flowers open at dusk and wilt the next morning, turning pink.[3] The petals measure up to 5 cm (2 in) in width and length.[1] A notch gives them a heart shape.[1]
The plant is a larval host to the white-lined sphinx moth.[4]
Oenothera caespitosa is dependent on hawkmoths, including the five-spotted hawkmoth (Manduca quinquemaculata) for pollination.[5]
Oenothera deltoides is very similar, with short stems and slightly smaller flowers.[1]
{{cite journal}}
: Cite journal requires |journal=
(help)Taxon identifiers |
|
---|
This Myrtales article is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. |