Common

Oenothera biennis

Self-seeding overwintering annual or biennial with bright yellow flowers that open at dusk. The full-sun loving plants grow up to 4 feet and can thrive in varying soil conditions. The roots can be eaten as a vegetable, the shoots as a salad, and the leaves as a leafy green. The seeds are abundant in gamma linolenic acid (GLA) and when taken as a supplement to what the body naturally produces, help to reduce inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis, alleviate PMS and menopausal symptoms and improve skin conditions. Traditionally used by Indigenous people in infusions as an astringent and sedative, and as a salve to treat topical wounds and hemorrhoids. A general tonic and immune system booster. Attracts many hummingbirds and other pollinators.