Common Evening Primrose

There are many "Evening Primrose" plants growing all over Oregon in distinct elevations and climates. None are members of the true Primrose (Primula) family, so once again we find common names cause confusion with identification!

Be that as it may, the Common Evening Primrose (Oenothera biennis) bright yellow flowers usually stay open at night so the nocturnal Hawk moth can pollinate it, hence the "evening" part of the name. This non-native is thought to have originated in Mexico or Central America.

If you look up Oenothera, you'll find all kinds of ways this plant was used in the past and present. There are 125 species of Oenothera, so it may take some "digging" to find a particular species.

The Cherokee, Iroquois, Ojibwas, and Potawatomi were among several Native American tribes that used common evening-primrose for both food and for medicinal purposes. The roots were boiled and eaten like potatoes. The young leaves were cooked and served as greens. The shoots were eaten raw. A tea was made from the plant and used as a dietary aid or stimulant to treat laziness and "overfatness." A hot poultice made from the pounded roots was applied externally to treat piles and boils. A poultice made from the entire plant was used to treat bruises. The roots were chewed and rubbed onto the muscles to improve strength. The plant was used to treat pain associated with menstruation as well as bowel pain. A few still use the plant today, both medicinally and for food.

You'll find this plant growing in disturbed areas at lower elevations. We spotted these growing in a beach parking area near Seaside (7/27/2013).