Missouri evening primrose (bigfruit evening primrose) Oenothera macrocarpa
Missouri evening primrose (bigfruit evening primrose) (Oenothera macrocarpa) is a deciduous perennial flowering plant in the Onagraceae family, native to Limestone glades and rocky prairies of the south-central United States. It grows 15–30 cm (6–12 in) tall and 40–60 cm (16–24 in) wide, wants full sun and low water, and is hardy to about -32 °C (-26 °F). Space plants about 40 cm (16 in) apart.
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Missouri evening primrose (bigfruit evening primrose) at a glance
| Type | Perennial flowering plant, deciduous |
|---|---|
| Family | Onagraceae |
| Mature height | 15–30 cm (6–12 in) |
| Mature spread | 40–60 cm (16–24 in) |
| Spacing | 40 cm (16 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 7 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Low; drought tolerance high, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 6.5–8.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -32 °C (-26 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 4) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 40 °C (104 °F) |
| Flowering | from about May for 7–11 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Limestone glades and rocky prairies of the south-central United States |
| Common in gardens of | 🇺🇸 United States, 🇨🇦 Canada, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇩🇪 Germany |
Is Missouri evening primrose (bigfruit evening primrose) toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
Not known to be poisonous.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Missouri evening primrose (bigfruit evening primrose)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and low water.
Questions about Missouri evening primrose (bigfruit evening primrose)
- How far apart should I plant Missouri evening primrose (bigfruit evening primrose)?
- About 40 cm (16 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 40–60 cm (16–24 in).
- Does Missouri evening primrose (bigfruit evening primrose) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 7 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Missouri evening primrose (bigfruit evening primrose) need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is high and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Missouri evening primrose (bigfruit evening primrose)?
- It tolerates about -32 °C (-26 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 4.
- When does Missouri evening primrose (bigfruit evening primrose) flower?
- From about May for 7–11 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Missouri evening primrose (bigfruit evening primrose) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. Not known to be poisonous.
- What grows well with Missouri evening primrose (bigfruit evening primrose)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Missouri evening primrose (bigfruit evening primrose). Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (low).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade A (A: strong evidence).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder, Missouri Botanical Garden
- Native Plant Information Network, Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, University of Texas at Austin
Notes and assumptions
- A tallgrass prairie plant: deep roots make it drought-proof once established; it wants sun and lean soil (rich soil makes it flop). Leave the stems standing in winter for seed-eating birds and overwintering insects.
- Sprawling stems with huge, silky, lemon-yellow cups that open in the evening for sphinx moths and stay open into the next morning, from late spring to late summer; large winged seed pods follow. Needs sharp drainage.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
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