Family: Onagraceae
Author: Nutt.
Bibliography: Cat. Pl. Upper Louisiana: n.° 56 (1813)
Year: 1813
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Oenothera
Vegetable: False
Observations: C. & EC. U.S.A. to Mexico (Coahuila)
Description
The Bigfruit evening primrose, known scientifically as Oenothera macrocarpa, is a stunning perennial plant that belongs to the family Onagraceae. This botanical gem was first cataloged in the early 19th century, specifically in 1813, by the distinguished botanist Nuttall, who made significant contributions to the understanding of North American flora.
This plant is native to a wide range of regions, spanning from the central and eastern United States down to Mexico, specifically Coahuila. Its presence in these diverse areas indicates its adaptability to various environmental conditions, from temperate to slightly more arid climates.
Oenothera macrocarpa is particularly noted for its dramatic flowers and sizable fruit. The blooms typically emerge in a vibrant yellow hue, creating a striking visual display against its green foliage. These flowers are not only alluring to the human eye but also attract a variety of pollinators, including bees and butterflies, which are essential for the healthy maintenance of our ecosystems.
One of the defining features of the Bigfruit evening primrose, as its name implies, is its large fruit. These seed pods can reach a considerable size, adding an interesting textural element to the plant’s overall appearance.
Given its aesthetic appeal and ecological benefits, the Bigfruit evening primrose is a cherished addition to gardens and natural landscapes. It thrives best in well-drained soils and full sunlight, making it an excellent choice for garden enthusiasts looking to cultivate a hardy and beautiful flowering plant.
In summary, Oenothera macrocarpa is more than just a pretty face in the world of botany; it is a robust and ecologically beneficial species with a rich history and a wide geographical spread. Its contributions to both horticultural beauty and environmental health make it a noteworthy plant worthy of admiration and study.
Common Names
Deu: missouri-nachtkerze
Eng: ozark sundrop, bigfruit evening primrose, bigfruit evening-primrose, bigfruit eveningprimrose
Swe: storblommigt nattljus
En: Bigfruit evening primrose, Missouri Evening Primrose, OZARK SUNDROP, Bigfruit eveningprimrose, Bigfruit evening-primrose
Ar: أخدرية كبيرة الثمار
Zh: 大果月见草
Cs: Pupalka velkoplodá
Fi: Isohelokki
De: Missouri-Nachtkerze
Pl: Wiesiołek ozdobny
Sv: Storblommigt nattljus
Synonyms
- Megapterium macrocarpum ((Nutt.) R.R.Gates)
Distribution
- Arkansas (native)
- Illinois (native)
- Kansas (native)
- Mexico Northeast (native)
- Missouri (native)
- Nebraska (native)
- Oklahoma (native)
- Tennessee (native)
- Texas (native)
- Austria (introduced)
- Czechoslovakia (introduced)
Additional Images
Flower
Taken Nov 11, 2013 by EOL − Ben VanderWeide (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jun 11, 2005 by EOL − Darel Hess (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken May 20, 2003 by EOL − Steven J. Baskauf (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Sep 21, 2020 by Sabina Hartmann (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 21, 2020 by BerniceReber (cc-by-sa)
Other
Taken Aug 30, 2022 by Dieter Albrecht (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken May 22, 2005 by EOL − Darel Hess (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jun 11, 2005 by EOL − Darel Hess (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken May 2, 2014 by EOL − Julia Gregory (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken May 20, 2003 by EOL − Steven J. Baskauf (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Sep 21, 2020 by Sabina Hartmann (cc-by-sa)
Leaf
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − John Hilty (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jun 21, 2017 by Tela Botanica − _ (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 16, 2017 by susy (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 19, 2022 by Cameron Waibel (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 21, 2020 by Sabina Hartmann (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken Sep 3, 2021 by plantafou11 (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Encyclopedia of Life (gpl)
Taken Dec 16, 2015 by EOL − Chuck Sexton (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jul 19, 2022 by Cameron Waibel (cc-by-sa)
Bark
Taken Sep 10, 2009 by EOL − Michael Kesl (public)
Taken Nov 20, 2013 by EOL − Ben VanderWeide (cc-by-nc)
Taken Dec 16, 2015 by EOL − Chuck Sexton (cc-by-nc)
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3188904)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:173157-2)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Oenothera macrocarpa Nutt.)
Specifications
Growth habit>: Forb/herb
