Meadow Evening Primrose
Oenothera pilosella
Last reviewed: June 2026
Oenothera pilosella is a native evening primrose that blooms yellow flowers from June through September across the eastern and central United States. This drought-tolerant forb attracts bees, moths, and beetles to gardens and natural areas.
The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Meadow Evening Primrose as toxic to livestock.
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
8"–24" H × 6"–18" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
Native to
AL, AR, CT, IA and 15 more states
Pollinators
bees, moths, beetles
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Meadow evening primrose is a low-growing native wildflower that produces bright yellow, four-petaled flowers from summer through early fall. The flowers open in the evening and attract night-flying moths, though they remain open during the day. This drought-tolerant perennial forms neat clumps and requires minimal care once established.
Growing Meadow Evening Primrose
Grow Meadow Evening Primrose in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 8 to 24 inches tall and spread 6 to 18 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Meadow 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.
- Has 'meadow' in common name which signals wild appearance
- Can spread and naturalize beyond intended areas
- May look weedy or unkempt to those unfamiliar with native plants
Wildlife value
Evening primrose flowers are specially adapted to attract night-flying moths and other nocturnal pollinators, though bees and beetles also visit during daylight hours. The seeds provide food for birds and small mammals.
Common questions
- When does Oenothera pilosella bloom?
- Meadow Evening Primrose blooms from June through September, producing yellow flowers that open in the evening.
- What pollinators visit Oenothera pilosella?
- This native evening primrose attracts bees, moths, and beetles. The evening-opening flowers are particularly attractive to night-flying moths.
- Where is Oenothera pilosella native?
- Meadow Evening Primrose is native to 19 states across the eastern and central United States, from New York south to Louisiana and west to Iowa and Oklahoma.
- What growing conditions does Oenothera pilosella prefer?
- This forb thrives in full sun to partial sun with low to moderate water needs, making it well-suited for drought-tolerant landscaping and prairie gardens.
- Is Meadow Evening Primrose toxic to livestock?
- The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Meadow Evening Primrose as toxic to livestock.
- Is Meadow Evening Primrose HOA-friendly?
- Meadow 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 Meadow Evening Primrose? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
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