When does meadow evening primrose bloom?

Oenothera pilosella typically flowers from June through September, with the heaviest bloom during the warmer summer months.

What pollinators visit meadow evening primrose?

Bees, moths, and beetles regularly visit the yellow flowers of Oenothera pilosella for nectar and pollen.

What growing conditions does meadow evening primrose need?

It does best in full sun and low, well drained soil moisture, similar to the open meadows and prairie edges where it commonly grows.

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.

Meadow Evening Primrose

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Oenothera pilosella

Last reviewed: August 2026

Meadow evening primrose is a sun loving forb with bright yellow flowers that open from June through September. It favors dry, well drained meadows and open fields with low water needs.

Toxicity unknown

Meadow Evening Primrose (Oenothera pilosella) 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.

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

Before you buy

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

South Central Plains Ozark Highlands Southeastern Wisconsin Till Plains Central Corn Belt Plains Eastern Corn Belt Plains Northeastern Highlands Northeastern Coastal Zone Northern Piedmont Southeastern Plains Ridge and Valley Western Allegheny Plateau Interior Plateau Interior River Valleys and Hills Mississippi Alluvial Plain

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 meadow evening primrose bloom?: Oenothera pilosella typically flowers from June through September, with the heaviest bloom during the warmer summer months.
What pollinators visit meadow evening primrose?: Bees, moths, and beetles regularly visit the yellow flowers of Oenothera pilosella for nectar and pollen.
What growing conditions does meadow evening primrose need?: It does best in full sun and low, well drained soil moisture, similar to the open meadows and prairie edges where it commonly grows.
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.

These answers were drafted with an AI model from this plant's data. Verify care details with a local expert.

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

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