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Hooker's Evening Primrose

Oenothera elata

Last reviewed: June 2026

Hooker's Evening Primrose is a drought-tolerant native wildflower blooming yellow flowers from June through September across western and central United States including California, Colorado, Texas, and Arizona.

Hooker's Evening Primrose (Oenothera elata)
Photo: (c) Jeff Lahr, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Jeff Lahr

The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Hooker's Evening Primrose as toxic to livestock.

Light

full sun

Water

low

Size

12"–60" H × 12"–24" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep

Native to

AZ, CA, CO, ID and 9 more states

Pollinators

bees, moths

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Coast RangeSierra NevadaCentral California ValleyCentral California Foothills and Coastal MountainsSouthern California MountainsCentral Basin and RangeMojave Basin and RangeChihuahuan DesertsSonoran Basin and Range

Hooker's evening primrose is a tall native wildflower that produces bright yellow cup-shaped blooms from June through September. This drought-tolerant perennial can reach up to 5 feet tall and thrives in full sun with minimal water once established.

Growing Hooker's Evening Primrose

Grow Hooker's Evening Primrose in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 12 to 60 inches tall and spread 12 to 24 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.

In an HOA neighborhood

Hooker's 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.

  • Very tall growth (up to 5 feet) appears too wild for most front yards
  • Evening primrose can spread aggressively and look weedy
  • May be perceived as unmaintained wildflower rather than intentional landscaping

Wildlife value

The fragrant evening blooms attract night-flying moths and other nocturnal pollinators, while bees visit during daytime hours when flowers remain open.

Common questions

When does Hooker's Evening Primrose bloom?
Hooker's Evening Primrose blooms from June through September, producing bright yellow flowers that open in the evening.
What pollinators visit Oenothera elata?
Hooker's Evening Primrose attracts bees and moths as primary pollinators. The evening-opening flowers are especially adapted for moth pollination.
Where is Hooker's Evening Primrose native?
This species is native to 13 western and central states including Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Kansas, Montana, New Mexico, Nevada, Oklahoma, Oregon, Texas, Utah, and Washington.
What growing conditions does Oenothera elata prefer?
Hooker's Evening Primrose thrives in full sun locations with low water requirements, making it an excellent choice for drought-tolerant gardens and xeriscaping.
Is Hooker's Evening Primrose toxic to livestock?
The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Hooker's Evening Primrose as toxic to livestock.
Is Hooker's Evening Primrose HOA-friendly?
Hooker's 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 Hooker's Evening Primrose? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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