Oenothera fruticosa L. - Sundrops, Narrowleaf Evening Primrose
Family - Onagraceae
Stems:
N/A
Leaves:
Inflorescence:
N/A
Flowers:
Ovary.
Flowering - April - August.
Habitat - Sandhills, flatwoods, hammocks, meadows, roadsides.
Origin - Native to North America.
Other information - This attractive species can be found throughout most of Alabama. The plant can be identified by its mostly narrow leaves, big yellow flowers, and clavate ovaries and fruits. The pubescence of this species is variable. The flowers of this species, like most others in the genus, open at night or just before dawn and wilt when hit by direct sun. Each flower lasts only one evening.
The genus name Oenothera was a name used by Theophrastis for a species of Epilobium.
The species epithet fruticosa derives from the Latin "frut(ic)" meaning "a shrub." This is a misnomer for the plant as it does not get shrubby or woody.
Alabama Distribution:
Photographs taken at Fort Benning, GA., 5-6-05.