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| © The Arboretum - University of Wisconsin - Madison | |
Oenothera parviflora
REMEMBER: It is an offence to pick wildflowers in any provincial park.
| This biennial plant is native to North America, and has been exported to Europe, now becoming a common site on many roadsides and gardens. The flower is bright yellow with 4 petals, measuring between 2 to 4 cm when open. They open at dusk to allow moths to pollinate, and then close by the following mid-day. They bloom from June to September and have a light lemon scent. They grow to heights of 60 to 200 cm. The stems are reddish in colour and are hairy. The first year’s growth is a rosette of hairy leaves, measuring 6 to 20 cm long. During its second year of growth, it grows the flower stalk. It has a deep taproot, giving protection against drought periods. Oils from the blossoms are extracted and used in oils. This oil is also used in some herbal medicines, believed to assist in skin conditions, some arthritic problems and even high cholesterol levels. The roots are eaten in some countries and are sometimes used for garnishing salads. The seed pod is very distinctive. It has four papery edges that look like wings allowing the wind to scatter the seeds. |
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