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 the USDA PLANTS Database 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.

Yellow Evening Primrose

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Oenothera flava

Last reviewed: July 2026

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

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Sierra Nevada Central Basin and Range

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

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