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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