Vascular Plants of the Gila Wilderness

Presented in Association with the
Western New Mexico University Department of Natural Sciences

Oenothera cespitosa Nuttall ex Fraser
(Stemless Evening Primrose)


Family: Onagraceae

Status: Native

Synonyms:
By var., see Allred

Oenothera cespitosa is very common perennial in dry lower to middle elevation plains and hillsides. It has large white petals that turn pink with age. The anthers are large and the stigma stands well above them and is 4 parted. The leaves are crenate to lobed and gray green. The plants are acaulescent (have no stem.) Oenothera albicaulis is a very similar acaulescent plant with similar flowers, but it is an annual.
Please click on an image for a larger file.



Oenothera cespitosa, photo Russ Kleinman, Burro Mtns., FR 828, Apr. 11, 2007



Oenothera cespitosa, detail of flower, photo Russ Kleinman, Rt. 180 near Pleasonton, Apr. 19, 2008



Oenothera cespitosa, growth habit, photo Russ Kleinman, Rt. 180 near Bill Evans Road, Apr. 17, 2009



Oenothera cespitosa, closeup of flower, photo Russ Kleinman, Rt. 180 near Pleasonton, Apr. 19, 2008



Oenothera cespitosa, perennial root system, photo Russ Kleinman, Rt. 180 near Pleasonton, Apr. 19, 2008



Oenothera cespitosa, replete with flowers, photo Russ Kleinman, Rt. 180 near Gila, Apr. 5, 2010



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