Q: Today I spoke with two lovely ladies at the Oro Valley Farmers market. I asked about this flower that grows wild in my yard. When I first saw it I thought it was a form of dandelion, but it has a gorgeous iridescent white bloom that opens at dusk. The hawk moths love it. The seedpods are plentiful right now, all dried up at the base of the plant. Iβm including some pictures to help identify it. One woman showed me a photo of a birdcage primrose, however Iβm thinking it is just an evening primrose.
A:Β There are a few species of primrose so itβs easy to get confused. I checked with our friends at the University of Arizona Herbarium and they think it is Oenothera caespitosa, commonly known as tufted evening primrose and fragrant evening primrose. This low-growing perennial is found throughout the West in sunny, dry, infertile, rocky, well-drained soils. It requires little water, which makes it a good choice for xeriscape gardens. Moderate watering will keep it blooming all summer.
Peter L. Warren is the urban horticulture agent for Pima County Cooperative Extension and the University of Arizona. Questions may be emailed toΒ tucsongardensage@gmail.com
