Oenothera fruticosa
Oenothera fruticosa, the narrowleaf evening primrose or narrow-leaved sundrops, is a species of flowering plant in the evening primrose family.
It is native to much of eastern North America, where it is found in a variety of open habitats, including dry woodlands, rock outcrops and moist savannas.
It is an erect herbaceous perennial growing to tall, with alternative, simple, entire or slightly toothed leaves. The saucer- or cup-shaped yellow flowers, in diameter, appear in late spring and summer. The fruit is a capsule that is strongly 4-angled or winged and shaped like a club.
Many varieties have been named, but the infraspecific taxonomy of this species is still in an unresolved state.
Description
Oenothera fruticosa is an evening primrose which stands in a height range of 16-36 inches and is a perennial wildflower. Leaves are alternating and lance-shaped, growing 2-3 inches and pubescent. The stem is straight, pubescent, and ranges in color from red-green. The petals are rounded and 1-2 inches long. Flowering is in spring to early summer.Taxonomy
This species was originally described by Carl Linnaeus, which is identified in the name of the species as the authority "L.". The taxonomy of this plant is complex and at times confusing as illustrated by the numerous synonyms, forms, and varieties.Synonyms for Oenothera fruticosa:Oenothera fruticosa f. angustifolia H.Lév.Oenothera fruticosa var. differta Millsp.Oenothera fruticosa f. diversifolia H.Lév.Oenothera fruticosa var. eamesii S.F.BlakeOenothera fruticosa var. goodmanii MunzOenothera fruticosa f. hirsuta H.Lév.Oenothera fruticosa var. humifusa C.K.AllenOenothera fruticosa var. incana Hook.Oenothera fruticosa f. incana VossOenothera fruticosa var. linearifolia Hook.Oenothera fruticosa var. linearis S.WatsonOenothera fruticosa f. lucida H.Lév.Oenothera fruticosa var. maculata H.Lév.Oenothera fruticosa var. microcarpa FernaldOenothera fruticosa f. phyllopus VossOenothera fruticosa var. phyllopus Hook.Oenothera fruticosa var. pilosella Small & A.HellerOenothera fruticosa f. sessilicarpa H.Lév.Oenothera fruticosa var. subglobosa MunzOenothera fruticosa var. vera Hook.Oenothera hybrida var. ambigua S.F.BlakeOenothera incana Nutt.Oenothera linearis Michx.Oenothera linearis var. angustifolia PurshOenothera linearis var. brevifolia PurshOenothera linearis var. eamesii B.L.Rob.Oenothera longipedicellata B.L.Rob.Oenothera mollissima WalterOenothera riparia Nutt.Oenothera serotina SweetOenothera subglobosa Weath. & GriscomOenothera subglobosa var. arenicola Weath. & GriscomOenothera tetragona var. riparia MunzOenothera tetragona var. velutina MunzOnagra linkiana SpachSphaerostigma arenicola A.Nelson
Distribution and habitat
The Oenothera fruticosa has a wide range in the United States which consists of the eastern seaboard and as far west as Oklahoma. Within these regions, Oenothera fruticosa prefers lower elevations. In the state of North Carolina which is within its range, this species is found widely around the state except in the mountainous regions.Oenothera fruticosa grows best in sunny areas that have mostly acidic soil conditions and good drainage. The common sundrop is relatively resilient to drought, shade, extreme heat, and varying soil pH. Oenothera fruticosa is mostly found in grassy clearings, meadows, and along roadways in its native range.Conservation status
Oenothera fruticosa is listed as a species of special concern in Connecticut.Uses
The Cherokee parboil the leaves, rinse them and cook in hot grease as a potherb. In the modern day, the narrow-leaved sundrop is primarily a garden specimen. Historically Oenothera fruticosa was used by Native American tribes for a multitude of ailments. The tribes that used this species included the Iroquois, Cherokee, and Ojibwa. Although the tribes differ, the reasons that they used the narrow-leaf evening primrose, were similar. Its uses included helping with stomach issues, weightloss, bruising, and hemorrhoids. It is unknown at this time if Oenothera fruticosa is medically effective. Oenothera fruticosa has been included in research for breast cancer.As a garden specimen the narrow-leaved sundrop is used in a variety of different ways. For landscaping, Oenothera fruticosa is used as a barrier or border plant. Not only is the narrow-leaved sundrop used in landscaping, but gardeners include this plant in pollinator gardens, rock gardens, cottage gardens, and native gardens for their ability to attract pollinators and their beautiful yellow petals. Oenothera fruticosa is a host plant of the pearly wood nymph, momphid moths, and primrose moths. The seeds of Oenothera fruticosa are consumed by birds including the eastern goldfinch and mourning dove.