How much sun does White-stem Evening-primrose need?

White-stem Evening-primrose grows best in full sun conditions.

When does White-stem Evening-primrose bloom?

White-stem Evening-primrose blooms in May, June, and July.

Where is White-stem Evening-primrose native?

White-stem Evening-primrose (Oenothera albicaulis) is native to AZ, CA, CO, IA and 16 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

What pollinators does White-stem Evening-primrose attract?

White-stem Evening-primrose draws bees and moths.

Is White-stem Evening-primrose HOA-friendly?

White-stem 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.

White-stem Evening-primrose

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Oenothera albicaulis

Last reviewed: August 2026

Toxicity unknown

White-stem Evening-primrose (Oenothera albicaulis) 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

6"–24" H × 4"–12" W

Bloom

May, Jun, Jul

Native to

AZ, CA, CO, IA and 16 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 area

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Central Basin and Range Mojave Basin and Range Northwestern Forested Mountains North American Deserts Southern Rockies Arizona/New Mexico Mountains Chihuahuan Deserts High Plains Southwestern Tablelands Central Great Plains Northwestern Glaciated Plains Northwestern Great Plains Great Plains Northern Glaciated Plains Western Corn Belt Plains Northern Lakes and Forests North Central Hardwood Forests Madrean Archipelago Sonoran Basin and Range

White-stem evening-primrose is a low-growing annual wildflower that produces bright white or pale pink flowers from late spring through summer. The blooms open in the evening and stay open through the next morning, creating a charming display in sunny, dry areas. This drought-tolerant native requires minimal care once established.

In an HOA neighborhood

White-stem 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 lifespan creates gaps in plantings
Evening-blooming habit may appear closed during day
Low growth habit can look sparse in formal settings

Wildlife value

The evening-blooming flowers attract night-flying moths and other nocturnal pollinators. Bees also visit the flowers during morning hours when blooms remain open.

Common questions

How much sun does White-stem Evening-primrose need?: White-stem Evening-primrose grows best in full sun conditions.
When does White-stem Evening-primrose bloom?: White-stem Evening-primrose blooms in May, June, and July.
Where is White-stem Evening-primrose native?: White-stem Evening-primrose (Oenothera albicaulis) is native to AZ, CA, CO, IA and 16 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
What pollinators does White-stem Evening-primrose attract?: White-stem Evening-primrose draws bees and moths.
Is White-stem Evening-primrose HOA-friendly?: White-stem 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 World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). 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.

See all plant problem guides

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