Plains Evening Primrose
Camissonia contorta
Last reviewed: August 2026
Toxicity unknown
Plains Evening Primrose (Camissonia contorta) 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.
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
4"–16" H × 4"–12" W
Bloom
May, Jun, Jul, Aug
Native to
CA, ID, NV, OR and 1 more states
Pollinators
bees, moths
Before you buy
Your city may pay you to plant this
Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 452 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
Find rebates in your areaBrowse plants for this ecoregion
Plains evening primrose is a low-growing annual wildflower that produces bright yellow blooms from late spring through summer. This compact native plant thrives in sunny, dry conditions and requires minimal water once established. The flowers typically open in the evening, creating a charming display during summer months.
In an HOA neighborhood
Plains 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.
- Annual growth habit creates gaps and inconsistent coverage
- Can appear weedy or unkempt to traditional landscaping preferences
- Evening primrose family often viewed as wildflowers rather than ornamental plants
Wildlife value
The evening-blooming flowers attract night-flying moths and other nocturnal pollinators. Bees also visit the flowers during daytime hours when blooms remain open.
Common questions
- How much sun does Plains Evening Primrose need?
- Plains Evening Primrose grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Plains Evening Primrose bloom?
- Plains Evening Primrose blooms in May, June, July, and August.
- Where is Plains Evening Primrose native?
- Plains Evening Primrose (Camissonia contorta) is native to CA, ID, NV, OR and 1 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
- What pollinators does Plains Evening Primrose attract?
- Plains Evening Primrose draws bees and moths.
- Is Plains Evening Primrose HOA-friendly?
- Plains 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 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
Common plant problems, and what to check first
These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.
- It is dying right after planting
- Leaves turning yellow
- Wilting even though I watered it
- Brown crispy leaf tips
- Bugs on the plant
Ready to grow Plains Evening Primrose? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Planning a bed around it? Start a free plan with this plant
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz