This tough perennial finds its home in prairies, roadsides and among rocky hillsides from Manitoba to Florida and many states inbetween. The sunshine-yellow flowers are 1-2 inches in diameter and appear in early summer. These pictures were taken in the garden of the Brewster Natural History Museum. There is not a whole lot of sunlight, but this plant has quickly spread to form a colony in the sunniest spot. It may even do better with a bit more light. In the winter, tight rosettes of leaves stay green. The flowers are edible, but I can’t think of many uses other than decoration for a salad. It is related to a southern species that is generally more well known – evening primrose (Oenothera macrocarpa).
Oenothera fruticosa at the Brewster Natural History Museum July 1 2011
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