Yellow Evening Primrose
Oenothera flava
Last reviewed: September 2026
Toxicity unknown
Yellow Evening Primrose (Oenothera flava) 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 Yellow Evening Primrose as toxic to livestock.
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
6"–24" H × 6"–12" W
Bloom
May, Jun, Jul, Aug
Native to
AZ, CA, CO, ID and 10 more states
Pollinators
moths, bees
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
Yellow evening primrose is a low-growing perennial wildflower that produces bright yellow, four-petaled blooms from late spring through summer. This drought-tolerant native forms neat clumps and thrives in full sun with minimal water once established.
In an HOA neighborhood
Yellow Evening Primrose is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 3 out of 5.
Works well in: front yard, foundation, street edge, mid zone.
- May self-seed and spread beyond intended area
- Appearance when not blooming is unknown
Wildlife value
The flowers attract night-flying moths and native bees. Evening primrose is particularly valuable for sphinx moths and other nocturnal pollinators.
Common questions
- How much sun does Yellow Evening Primrose need?
- Yellow Evening Primrose grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Yellow Evening Primrose bloom?
- Yellow Evening Primrose blooms in May, June, July, and August.
- Where is Yellow Evening Primrose native?
- Yellow Evening Primrose (Oenothera flava) is native to AZ, CA, CO, ID and 10 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
- Is Yellow Evening Primrose toxic to livestock?
- The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Yellow Evening Primrose as toxic to livestock.
- What pollinators does Yellow Evening Primrose attract?
- Yellow Evening Primrose draws moths and bees.
- Is Yellow Evening Primrose HOA-friendly?
- Yellow Evening Primrose is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.
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 Yellow 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