Hairy Evening Primrose
Oenothera villosa
Last reviewed: June 2026
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
12"–36" H × 12"–24" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul, Aug
Native to
AL, AR, AZ, CA and 39 more states
Pollinators
bees, moths, butterflies
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Hairy evening primrose is a drought-tolerant perennial that produces bright yellow flowers from June through August. This wildflower grows in a compact clump and thrives in full sun with minimal water once established.
In an HOA neighborhood
Hairy Evening Primrose takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Appears weedy and informal to most HOAs
- Can spread aggressively
- Dies back completely in winter leaving bare spots
Wildlife value
The flowers attract bees, butterflies, and night-flying moths, making it valuable for pollinators. Evening primrose blooms open in the evening, providing nectar when many other flowers have closed for the day.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Does Hairy Evening Primrose fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.