Oenothera pilosella

Prairie Sundrops (Oenothera pilosella) is a perennial herb that typically grows up to about 3 feet tall, forming clusters of unbranched stems with lance-shaped green leaves. It produces showy, golden-yellow, four-petaled flowers from late spring into summer. Prairie Sundrops thrives in full sun and prefers moist, well-drained soils, but it is tolerant of both brackish and lime soils. It has high water needs and is often found in dry woods, roadsides, and meadows. The plant spreads rapidly under favorable conditions but is not usually aggressive, and its conspicuous flowers attract birds, hummingbirds, and native bees.

Native range

Central and Eastern United StatesNative here

Bloom time

May – July

Garden location

Southwest Sidewalk Bed