Pale Evening-primrose
Oenothera pallida var. pallida Family: Onagraceae (Evening-primrose Family) Perennial or annual to biennial herbs; stems 3.9” to 2.5' (1 to 7.5 dm) tall Leaves: alternate; simple; margins are entire, toothed or lobed; can have hairs; 0.4” to 3.2” (1 to 8 cm) long, 0.04” to 0.8” (1 to 20 mm) wide Flowers: 4 distinct white petals with yellow patches at base; 4 sepals; 8 stamens; bisexual; usually radially symmetrical; fragrant flowers; petals 0.4” to 1.2” (1 to 3 cm) long; petals turn pink after pollination Pollinators: hawkmoths (White-lined sphinx moth - Hyles ), and bees (specifically Lasioglossum, Centris, Xylocopa, Andrena) Fruits: 4 chambered capsule Blooms in Arches National Park: April, May, June, July, August, September, October Habitat in Arches National Park: desert shrub and pinyon-juniper communities Location seen: widespread along park road Other: The genus name, “Oenothera”, means “wine-scented” and refers to the use of the roots in winemaking. The species name, “pallida”, means “pale” and refers to the petal color. |
Did You Know?
Native Americans never inhabited Arches on a year-round basis, though they certainly roamed the area searching for wild game, useful plants and rocks for tool-making. Petroglyphs near Wolfe Ranch are thought to have been created by Indians from the Ute/Paiute cultures. More...