How much sun does Dune primrose need?

Dune primrose grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Dune primrose bloom?

Dune primrose blooms in March, April, May, and June.

Where is Dune primrose native?

Dune primrose (Oenothera deltoides) is native to AZ, CA, NV, OR and 1 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.

What butterflies or moths does Dune primrose host?

Dune primrose is a larval host plant for white-lined sphinx.

Dune primrose

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Oenothera deltoides

Last reviewed: October 2026

Dune primrose (Oenothera deltoides) is a biennial forb native to AZ, CA, NV, OR and 1 more states. It blooms in March, April, May, and June. The flowers draw moths and bees.

Toxicity unknown

Dune primrose (Oenothera deltoides) 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

6"–18" H × 12"–24" W

Bloom

Mar, Apr, May, Jun

Native to

AZ, CA, NV, OR and 1 more states

Pollinators

moths, bees

Before you buy

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Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 458 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Sierra Nevada Central California Foothills and Coastal Mountains Central California Valley Southern California Mountains Northwestern Forested Mountains Central Basin and Range Mojave Basin and Range North American Deserts Sonoran Basin and Range Southern California/Northern Baja Coast

A low, sprawling rosette-forming plant with large white flowers that open at dusk and fade to pink by morning. The dried stems curl into a distinctive cage-like skeleton at season's end.

Growing Dune primrose

Grow Dune primrose in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 6 to 18 inches tall and spread 12 to 24 inches wide.

Wildlife value

Host plant for white-lined sphinx.

Night-blooming flowers are pollinated primarily by hawkmoths, and the foliage is a larval host for white-lined sphinx moth caterpillars.

Common questions

How much sun does Dune primrose need?: Dune primrose grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Dune primrose bloom?: Dune primrose blooms in March, April, May, and June.
Where is Dune primrose native?: Dune primrose (Oenothera deltoides) is native to AZ, CA, NV, OR and 1 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
What butterflies or moths does Dune primrose host?: Dune primrose is a larval host plant for white-lined sphinx.

Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. 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

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

See all plant problem guides

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