Etymology: Oenothera: from Greek oinos, "wine," and thera, "to imbibe," because an allied European plant was thought to induce a taste for wine
Plants: erect, perennial, 4"-24" tall forb; stems usually unbranched
Leaves: lance-like to elliptical, alternate
Flowers: yellow, 4-parted, 1/3"-3/4" wide, opening one by one and becoming erect, petals notched; inflorescence a terminal, usually unbranched spike nodding at the tip; blooms May-July
Fruits: 4 -angled capsule, elliptical to oblong tapering toward the base; seeds without tufts of hair at the top
Habitat: dry to moist; prairies, meadows, open woods; in sandy soil
Conservation Status: Native

Floristic Rating: Coefficient of Conservatism = 5, Wetland Indicator = FAC Atlas of the Wisconsin Prairie and Savanna Flora: by T.S. Cochrane & H.H. Iltis: habitat, distribution infomation / flowering and fruiting times