Sundrops

(Oenothera fruticosa)

 

   

 

 

Color Photograph: Copyright Nearctica.com, Inc.

Line Drawing: Britton, N.L., and A. Brown. 1913. An Illustrated Flora of the Northern United States and Canada, Second Edition.

 

Sundrops (Oenothera fruticosa L.)

Identification: Flowers yellow, large (1 to 2 inches in diameter), with 4 petals and 8 stamens. Petals typically with green, radiating lines. Stigma with 4 lobes, cross-shaped, with an elongate style. Calyx with 4 sepals, the sepals bent downward (reflexed). Seed capsules ovate, elongate, with 4 strong wings. Leaves elongate, narrow, and with smooth outer margins. Plant 1 to 3 feet in height.

Distribution: Throughout eastern North America.

Habitat: Sundrops occur in a variety of habitats including stream sides, open fields, and open woods.

Flowering period: June to August.

Similar Species: The large yellow flowers, reflexed sepals, long calyx tube, day flowering habit, and the green lines on the petals will usually identify this species.

Comments: Sundrops, unlike most species of Oenothera, are day flowering.

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