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Cutleaf Evening Primrose
Oenothera laciniata
34.02, -84.58
Field Notes
Description:
This is an annual or short-lived perennial herb producing a spreading stem from a hairy rosette of deeply cut or lobed leaves. Flowers occur in the axils of leaves higher on the stem. Each flower has pale to deep yellow petals up to about 2 centimeters long which fade orange, pink, or red with age. They open visibly fast every evening producing an interesting spectacle, hence the name "evening primrose." The flowers are hermaphrodite, produced on a tall spike and only last until the following noon. The fruit is a cylindrical capsule up to 5 centimeters in length.
Habitat:
It is native to the eastern United States but it can be found in many other places as an introduced species and sometimes a noxious weed. It is reported from Hawaii, Australia, Britain, France, Korea, Japan, and other areas. Spotted in an open & previously cleared/disturbed lot between industrial complex and uncultivated wetlands/drainage area.
Notes:
Edibility & usefulness related to O. biennis: Its leaves are edible and traditionally were used as a leaf vegetable. The seed oil is used to reduce the pains of premenstrual stress syndrome and is beneficial to the skin of the face. Also, poultices containing O. biennis were at one time used to ease bruises and speed wound healing.
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