Cut-leaf evening-primrose (Oenothera laciniata, Hort. Kew.: 172/4 (1768))

Family: Onagraceae

Author: Hill

Bibliography: Hort. Kew.: 172/4 (1768)

Year: 1768

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Oenothera

Vegetable: False

Observations: C. & E. U.S.A. to Guatemala

Description

The Cut-leaf evening-primrose, scientifically known as Oenothera laciniata, is a captivating plant species belonging to the Onagraceae family. First documented in the work “Hortus Kewensis” by Hill, published in 1768, this plant is notable for its distinctive appearance and widespread habitat.

This species is characterized by its deeply lobed leaves, which give it the name “cut-leaf.” The foliage creates an attractive backdrop for the delicate, four-petaled flowers that typically bloom in the evening, adding a gentle splash of color to the landscape. These blossoms usually appear in shades of yellow and transform as they age, sometimes taking on a reddish or pinkish hue.

Oenothera laciniata thrives in a diverse range from central and eastern regions of the United States down to Guatemala, adapting well to different climates and soil types. Its resilience and adaptability make it a common presence in gardens, roadsides, and open meadows throughout its range.

As a member of the Onagraceae family, the Cut-leaf evening-primrose shares certain botanical traits with its relatives, such as a preference for well-drained soils and a proclivity for full sun exposure. This species is not only appreciated for its ornamental value but also for its ecological contributions. It supports various pollinators, including bees and nocturnal insects, thus playing a pivotal role in the ecosystem by facilitating pollination.

In summary, the Cut-leaf evening-primrose (Oenothera laciniata) stands out as a remarkable plant both in appearance and ecological function. Its ability to thrive in a wide geographical area, coupled with its charming flowers and interesting leaf structure, make it a plant of both aesthetic and environmental importance.

Common Names

Eng: cut-leaf evening-primrose, cut-leaved evening primrose, cutleaf evening primrose, cutleaf evening-primrose, cutleaf eveningprimrose, cut-leaved evening-primrose, sinuate-leaved evening primrose
Lit: karpytalapė nakviša
Heb: ner-ha’layla ha’mefutzal, נר הלילה המפוצל
Fra: onagre laciniée
Deu: schlitzblättrige nachtkerze
Swe: fliknattljus
En: Cut-leaf evening-primrose, CUTLEAF EVENINGPRIMROSE, Cutleaf evening primrose, Cut-leaved evening primrose, Cutleaf evening-primrose, Cut-leaved Evening-primrose, Sinuate-leaved evening primrose, Ragged Evening Primrose
Ar: أخدرية رثة
Zh: 裂叶月见草, 裂葉月見草
Fi: Liuskahelokki
Fr: Onagre laciniée
De: Schlitzblättrige Nachtkerze
He: Ner-ha’layla ha’mefutzal, נר הלילה המפוצל, נר-הלילה המפוצל
It: Enagra sinuata
Lt: Karpytalapė nakviša
Sv: Fliknattljus
Zh-tw: 裂葉月見草
Zh-hant: 裂葉月見草

Synonyms

• Oenothera minima (Pursh)
• Oenothera sinuata (L.)
• Oenothera viscosa (Raf.)
• Raimannia laciniata ((Hill) Rose ex Britton & A.Br.)
• Oenothera laciniata var. typica (Munz)
• Onagra sinuata ((L.) Moench)
• Oenothera sinuata subvar. helleriana (H.Lév.)
• Oenothera repanda (Medik.)

Distribution

• Alabama (native)
• Arkansas (native)
• Connecticut (native)
• Delaware (native)
• District of Columbia (native)
• Florida (native)
• Georgia (native)
• Guatemala (native)
• Illinois (native)
• Indiana (native)
• Iowa (native)
• Kansas (native)
• Kentucky (native)
• Louisiana (native)
• Maine (native)
• Maryland (native)
• Masachusettes (native)
• Mexico Central (native)
• Mexico Gulf (native)
• Mexico Northeast (native)
• Mexico Northwest (native)
• Mexico Southwest (native)
• Michigan (native)
• Minnesota (native)
• Mississippi (native)
• Missouri (native)
• Nebraska (native)
• New Jersey (native)
• New Mexico (native)
• New York (native)
• North Carolina (native)
• North Dakota (native)
• Ohio (native)
• Oklahoma (native)
• Pennsylvania (native)
• Rhode I. (native)
• South Carolina (native)
• South Dakota (native)
• Tennessee (native)
• Texas (native)
• Vermont (native)
• Virginia (native)
• West Virginia (native)
• Wisconsin (native)
• Wyoming (native)
• Argentina Northeast (introduced)
• Austria (introduced)
• Azores (introduced)
• Baltic States (introduced)
• Belgium (introduced)
• Bermuda (introduced)
• California (introduced)
• Cape Provinces (introduced)
• China Southeast (introduced)
• Colombia (introduced)
• Costa Rica (introduced)
• East European Russia (introduced)
• Ecuador (introduced)
• Finland (introduced)
• France (introduced)
• Free State (introduced)
• Germany (introduced)
• Great Britain (introduced)
• Greece (introduced)
• Hawaii (introduced)
• India (introduced)
• Ireland (introduced)
• Italy (introduced)
• Japan (introduced)
• Korea (introduced)
• KwaZulu-Natal (introduced)
• Lesotho (introduced)
• Libya (introduced)
• Netherlands (introduced)
• New South Wales (introduced)
• Northern Provinces (introduced)
• Northwest European R (introduced)
• Norway (introduced)
• Ontario (introduced)
• Palestine (introduced)
• Panamá (introduced)
• Paraguay (introduced)
• Peru (introduced)
• Portugal (introduced)
• Spain (introduced)
• Sweden (introduced)
• Switzerland (introduced)
• Taiwan (introduced)
• Ukraine (introduced)
• Zimbabwe (introduced)

Additional Images

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Flower

Taken Jun 13, 2021 by Chris Perisich (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 15, 2019 by Maryn Maryn B (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 28, 2021 by mariacristina riva (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 25, 2021 by Junichi Honda (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 23, 2021 by ??? 囧 (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Apr 9, 2021 by Eli Small (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 30, 2022 by Benoît Segerer (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 18, 2022 by Trevor Hardy (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 19, 2021 by Bruce Bagwell (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 16, 2019 by Bryce Sutherland (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Aug 14, 2022 by Jamie Veganarchist (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 29, 2018 by Maria Suhostavtzeva (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 24, 2016 by EOL − Linda Jo Conn (cc-by-nc)

Taken Apr 9, 2021 by Eli Small (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken May 9, 2015 by EOL − Sam Kieschnick (cc-by-nc)

Taken Apr 15, 2016 by EOL − Sam Kieschnick (cc-by-nc)

Taken Apr 9, 2021 by Eli Small (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 30, 2022 by Benoît Segerer (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 29, 2015 by EOL − harum.koh (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Sep 15, 2014 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Sep 15, 2014 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Sep 30, 2022 by Benoît Segerer (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Aug 15, 2015 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Aug 15, 2015 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Aug 15, 2015 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Aug 15, 2015 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Jun 3, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3188867)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:613817-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Oenothera laciniata Hill)

Specifications

Growth habit: Forb/herb

Growth

Ph maximum: 7.0

Ph minimum: 6.5

Light: 8

Atmospheric humidity: 5

Soil nutriments: 6