Hairy Evening Primrose
Oenothera villosa
Last reviewed: July 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.
Common questions
- How much sun does Hairy Evening Primrose need?
- Hairy Evening Primrose grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Hairy Evening Primrose bloom?
- Hairy Evening Primrose blooms in June, July, and August.
- Where is Hairy Evening Primrose native?
- Hairy Evening Primrose (Oenothera villosa) is native to AL, AR, AZ, CA and 39 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
- What pollinators does Hairy Evening Primrose attract?
- Hairy Evening Primrose draws bees, moths, and butterflies.
- Is Hairy Evening Primrose HOA-friendly?
- Hairy Evening Primrose takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
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.
Ready to grow Hairy Evening Primrose? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz