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Common Evening Primrose
Oenothera biennis
Evening Primrose is a biennial Illinois native plant that can be up to 7 feet tall but is usually around 4 feet. there is usually a central stem with alternate leaves but sometimes can have multiple stems having a bush-like appearance. The light or olive green leaves are up to 8″ long and 2″ wide. The flowers can be about 4″ wide and open in early evening and last until the next morning usually done before noon. On cloudy day they can last longer. Flowers have a lemony scent and bloom from mid-summer into fall.
The plant prefers full sun, average moisture and sandy soil but will tolerate other growing conditions often found in disturbed areas. The plant forms a stubby rosette during the first year, but becomes tall during the second year when it flowers, sets seeds and then dies.
Source: illinoiswildflowers.info
