Missouri Evening Primrose (Oenothera macrocarpa)

Missouri Evening Primrose (Oenothera macrocarpa)

Bring a slice of the Midwestern prairie into your garden—this tough little beauty blooms bright yellow saucers that practically beg pollinators to take a bow. Drought‑tolerant and low‑maintenance, it’s the perfect choice for rock gardens, gravel paths, or any spot that needs a pop of sunshine.

Characteristics

• Type: Herbaceous perennial

• Height: 12–18 inches (30–45 cm)

• Blooms: May through August

• Bloom Colour: Bright golden yellow

Growth Conditions

• Light: Full sun (6+ hours daily)

• Soil: Well‑drained, sandy or rocky; thrives in lean soils

• Habitat: Prairies, glades, open rocky outcrops

Associates
Big Bluestem (Andropogon gerardii), Prairie Smoke (Geum triflorum), Blue Grama (Bouteloua gracilis)

Status in Ontario
Non‑native garden plant (not assessed for wild populations)

Why It Works
Although not native to Ontario, Missouri Evening Primrose isn’t aggressive and plays nicely in novel ecosystems and challenging sites. In our changing world, plants have no borders—this one’s a win for pollinators and gardeners alike!

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Add a dash of golden prairie flair and support your local pollinators at the same time. “Missouri” might be in the name, but your Ontario garden will be the real star!