How much sun does California evening primrose need?

California evening primrose grows best in full sun conditions.

When does California evening primrose bloom?

California evening primrose blooms in April, May, June, and July.

Where is California evening primrose native?

California evening primrose (Oenothera californica) is native to CA, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

What pollinators does California evening primrose attract?

California evening primrose draws moths and native bees.

California evening primrose

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Oenothera californica

Last reviewed: September 2026

California evening primrose (Oenothera californica) is a perennial forb native to CA. It blooms in April, May, June, and July. The flowers draw moths and native bees.

Toxicity unknown

California evening primrose (Oenothera californica) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

full sun

Water

low

Size

4"–12" H × 12"–24" W

Bloom

Apr, May, Jun, Jul

Native to

Pollinators

moths, native bees

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Sierra Nevada Central California Foothills and Coastal Mountains Southern California Mountains Central Basin and Range Mojave Basin and Range North American Deserts Arizona/New Mexico Mountains Sonoran Basin and Range Southern California/Northern Baja Coast

A low, spreading perennial with narrow leaves and large white flowers that open in the evening and fade to pink by the next day. It grows in sandy desert and dry open ground, spreading loosely along the surface.

Growing California evening primrose

Grow California evening primrose in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 4 to 12 inches tall and spread 12 to 24 inches wide.

Wildlife value

Its evening-opening flowers are specialized for pollination by hawk moths, and native bees visit in early morning before the flowers fully close.

Common questions

How much sun does California evening primrose need?: California evening primrose grows best in full sun conditions.
When does California evening primrose bloom?: California evening primrose blooms in April, May, June, and July.
Where is California evening primrose native?: California evening primrose (Oenothera californica) is native to CA, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
What pollinators does California evening primrose attract?: California evening primrose draws moths and native bees.

Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

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