Common Evening-Primrose
Oenothera biennis
Educational content — not medical, botanical, or professional advice. Always consult a qualified clinician before using any herbal preparation — especially during pregnancy, breastfeeding, while on medication, or for children. How we source & review →
Pl. EEC9 — Oenothera biennis
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IOverview
Overview
Common Evening-Primrose (Oenothera biennis) is a biennial plant native to the eastern and central United States, as well as parts of Canada and Mexico. It thrives in light to medium soil that is dry or moist, with a pH between 5 and 7. Known for its edible flowers, leaves, roots, seedpods, and shoots, this plant can grow up to 1.2 meters tall. Common Evening-Primrose is found across a wide range of habitats including Alabama, Alberta, Arkansas, British Columbia, California, Connecticut, and many other states and provinces. Its light and airy nature makes it an attractive addition to gardens, though its primary claim to fame lies in its culinary uses.
Quick answers
What is Common Evening-Primrose?
Common Evening-Primrose (Oenothera biennis) is a biennial plant native to the eastern and central United States, as well as parts of Canada and Mexico. It thrives in light to medium soil that is dry or moist, with a pH between 5 and 7.
What is Common Evening-Primrose used for?
Traditionally used for better sleep. Each claim is evidence-rated — see Section II for full citations.
Best for
Top 1 evidence-ranked use of Common Evening-Primrose
Clinicaluses · safety · chemistry · dosagemedicinal profile
IIBenefits & evidence
1 claim · 0 sources
Benefits & evidence
1 claim · 0 sources- Traditional-use note: Common Evening-Primrose appears in herbal sources around evening relaxation and bedtime routines, often as a tincture. PlantSage presents this as ethnobotanical context, not as medical advice.
Traditional context only. This reviewed claim keeps the original low confidence level, but avoids treatment, disease, dosage, or guaranteed-effect language.
IV·bMixology suggestions
1 draft
Mixology suggestions
1 draftEditorial drafts. These pairings are AI-suggested from traditional herbal lore. Always verify with a qualified herbalist before brewing.
Common Evening-Primrose support blend
generaltea
AI returned a direct ingredient list; normalized into one draft blend for editorial review.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Common Evening-Primrose thrives in light to medium soil with a pH between 5 and 7. It prefers dry to moist conditions and grows best in full sun or partial shade. Hardy in temperate regions, it is suitable for zones 4-8. This biennial reaches heights of up to 1.2 meters and can be propagated by seed. Harvest edible parts including flowers, leaves, roots, seedpods, and shoots throughout the growing season.
Light
8/10
Water
Dry, Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium
Hardiness
4-8
Life cycle
Biennial
Habit
Forb/herb
Mature size
1.2 m tall
Soil pH
5–7
For first-time growers
How to grow Common Evening-Primrose for the first time
8steps
Start with Common Evening-Primrose to add a touch of wild beauty to your garden, focusing on basic care.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds or seedlings, a trowel, and a watering can.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost or as a fall sowing for biennial growth.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Choose a spot with well-draining soil that's light (sandy) to medium. Ensure it gets full sun.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds 1 cm deep, spacing them about 30 cm apart. Transplant seedlings when they have two sets of true leaves.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged during germination and early growth.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water regularly, especially in dry spells, and mulch to retain moisture. Deadhead flowers for continuous bloom.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune dead leaves and spent blooms to encourage new growth and a tidy appearance.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy soil, neglecting to mulch, and not providing enough sunlight are common pitfalls.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:FlowersLeavesRootSeedpodShoots
Edible uses: Oil
Other uses:CosmeticDyeoilDynamic accumulatorFragrance
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
30 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
30 native · 0 introducedDistribution across1 continent· 30 native
Asia1 region
native (1)Georgia
Broader regions
native:Alberta, Arkansas, British Columbia, California, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Manitoba, Maryland, Mexico Central, Mexico Northeast, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Massachusetts
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family, common use cases, and growing requirements.
shared use cases
Different families, similar therapeutic role — good for comparing.
XI
Explore further
Companion planting
Compare with similar plants
Growing zone
XII
About this entry
- Last updated
- Citation
- How to cite this entry · Submit a correction
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