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 the USDA PLANTS Database 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.

Plains Evening Primrose

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Camissonia contorta

Last reviewed: June 2026

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

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Coast Range Sierra Nevada Central California Valley Central California Foothills and Coastal Mountains Southern California Mountains Central Basin and Range

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 the USDA PLANTS Database 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 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 Plains Evening Primrose? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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