Oenothera speciosa

Oenothera speciosa is a ground-cover perennial wildflower. Its stems can grow to around 20 inches in height, and leaves are alternate with no petiole. 

Each bloom is singular, each with 4 petals. The cup-shaped flowers are fragrant and blooms form from summer to late fall. Flowers start out white and turn pink as they age. The throats of the flower, stigmas, and stamens are pastel yellow or white. Flowers open in the evening and close at noon. 

Oenothera speciosa attracts many different pollinators. Many moths visit this plant, as it is primarily open during the night. They are also pollinated by bees, skippers, butterflies, and attracts hummingbirds for nectar. Goldfinches eat the seeds of this plant.

Keep this plant under control-- rip out small plantlets as needed. This plant spreads by runners and seeds. Cut back in the winter, use leaves and stems as natural mulch. Do not use seed pods as mulch.