Evening Primrose (Oenothera Macrocarpa Subsp. Fremontii ‘Lemon Silver’)

Features and Characteristics

Oenothera macrocarpa, commonly called Missouri evening primrose, is a sprawling, Missouri native plant which occurs on limestone glades and bluffs and rocky prairies in the Ozark region south of the Missouri River. Typically grows 6-12″ tall and features very large (3-5″ across), solitary, 4-petaled, mildly fragrant, bright yellow flowers which open for only one day (usually open late afternoon and remain open until the following morning). Flowers arise from leaf axils and are generally upward-facing, but sometimes rest on or touch the ground. Long spring to summer bloom period. Flowers are followed by somewhat unique, winged seed pods (2-3″ long). Narrow, lance-shaped leaves. This species was formerly called (and is still often listed for sale as) Oenothera missouriensis.

Subspecies name honors General John C. Freemont (1813-1890) who conducted several expeditions through the native territory of this plant in the mid 1800s.

Genus name is unclear but may have come from the Greek words oinos and theras meaning wine-seeker in probable reference to an ancient use of the roots of genus plants in scenting wine.

Specific epithet means large-fruited.

‘Lemon Silver’ is a compact cultivar to 6-8” tall that features an attractive rosette of silvery-green leaves complemented by a long summer bloom of bright yellow flowers (2-4” wide). It is primarily distinguished from the species by its silvery foliage.