Small sundrops (Oenothera perennis, Syst. Nat. ed. 10, 2: 998 (1759))

Family: Onagraceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Syst. Nat. ed. 10, 2: 998 (1759)

Year: 1759

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Oenothera

Vegetable: False

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

Description

Small sundrops, scientifically known as Oenothera perennis, is a captivating plant species belonging to the Onagraceae family. First documented in the 10th edition of “Systema Naturae” in 1759 by the botanist Carl Linnaeus, this resilient perennial is revered for its delicate beauty and widespread presence across central and eastern regions of Canada and the United States.

This charming plant often graces wild meadows and open woodlands with its presence, casting a warm, sunny glow upon the landscape. The small sundrops produce bright yellow flowers that bloom from late spring through mid-summer, typically forming clusters that add vibrant splashes of color amid greenery. Each blossom opens in the morning sunlight and closes by early evening, a photoperiodic behavior that underscores its common name.

The stems of Oenothera perennis are generally slender and can range in height from 15 to 60 centimeters. The leaves are narrow and lance-shaped, arranged alternately along the stem, providing a graceful backdrop to the cheerful blooms. Despite their unassuming size, these flowers play a crucial role in local ecosystems, attracting a host of pollinators such as bees and butterflies, which, in turn, support biodiversity.

Small sundrops thrive in well-drained soils and are particularly fond of sunny locations, where they can receive ample light to fuel their midday blooms. This adaptability to various environmental conditions makes them a resilient species in their native habitats.

In summary, Oenothera perennis is a noteworthy plant that not only contributes aesthetically to the natural landscapes but also supports ecological health through its relationships with pollinators. Its historical documentation by Linnaeus adds a layer of historical significance to its botanical profile, cementing its status as a plant of both beauty and ecological importance.

Common Names

Eng: little evening primrose, small sundrops, perennial evening-primrose, little evening-primrose, perennial sundrops, small evening-primrose, sundrops
Swe: dvärgnattljus
Fra: onagre vivace, onagre pérennante
En: Small sundrops, Little evening primrose, Small Evening-Primrose, Perennial evening-primrose, Little evening-primrose, Perennial sundrops, Sundrops
Ar: أخدرية معمرة
Fi: Kääpiöhelokki
Fr: Onagre vivace, Onagre pérennante
Sv: Dvärgnattljus

Synonyms

• Oenothera chrysantha (Michx.)
• Oenothera riparia (Lehm.)
• Oenothera pusilla (Michx.)
• Kneiffia perennis ((L.) Pennell)
• Oenothera pumila var. chrysantha (Gordinier & Howe)
• Oenothera pumila var. rectipilis (S.F.Blake)
• Kneiffia pumila (Spach)
• Oenothera pumila var. pusilla ((Michx.) Torr. & A.Gray)
• Oenothera perennis f. rectipilis ((S.F.Blake) B.Boivin)
• Oenothera pumila var. minima (Lehm. ex Hook.)
• Oenothera perennis var. typica (Munz)
• Kneiffia michauxii (Spach)
• Oenothera perennis var. rectipilis ((S.F.Blake) S.F.Blake)
• Oenothera pumila (L.)

Distribution

• Connecticut (native)
• Delaware (native)
• District of Columbia (native)
• Illinois (native)
• Indiana (native)
• Iowa (native)
• Kentucky (native)
• Maine (native)
• Manitoba (native)
• Maryland (native)
• Masachusettes (native)
• Michigan (native)
• Minnesota (native)
• Missouri (native)
• Nebraska (native)
• New Brunswick (native)
• New Hampshire (native)
• New York (native)
• North Carolina (native)
• Nova Scotia (native)
• Ohio (native)
• Ontario (native)
• Pennsylvania (native)
• Prince Edward I. (native)
• Québec (native)
• Rhode I. (native)
• South Carolina (native)
• Tennessee (native)
• Vermont (native)
• Virginia (native)
• West Virginia (native)
• Wisconsin (native)
• Austria (introduced)
• British Columbia (introduced)
• Japan (introduced)
• Newfoundland (introduced)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Jul 12, 2021 by Ken Gross (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 12, 2022 by John Murtaugh (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − John Hilty (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jun 17, 2021 by emily keef (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − WVU Herbarium (cc-by-nc-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3188838)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:613950-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Oenothera perennis L.)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Forb/herb

Growth