🌸 Mexican Evening Primrose (Oenothera speciosa)

Status: Non-native (introduced), but widely cultivated
Family: Onagraceae (Evening Primrose family)
Origin: Native to Texas, Mexico, and the south-central U.S., but naturalized in California

🌼 Identification & Appearance

• Flowers: Soft, cup-shaped, usually pale pink (sometimes white), with darker pink veins and a yellow throat. Each bloom has four petals and opens fully in sunlight.

• Leaves: Narrow to lance-shaped with slight toothed edges.

• Growth Habit: Low-growing, sprawling ground cover—can spread vigorously by rhizomes.

• Blooming Season: Spring to early summer; in milder climates like the Coachella Valley, it may bloom longer with irrigation.

🌿 Ecological & Garden Notes

• Pollinators: Attracts bees, moths, and butterflies, especially during early morning and evening hours.

• Adaptations: Drought-tolerant once established; thrives in full sun and sandy or rocky soils.

• Use in Gardens: Popular in desert gardens for its delicate look and easy care, but it can become invasive in irrigated landscapes or fertile soils. Use caution when planting near native habitats.

• Cultural Note: Despite its name, the flowers often open during the day in hot climates.