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Prairie Sundrops

Oenothera pilosella

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Category
Forb / Wildflower
Sun
Full to Partial
Soil moisture
Medium-Wet to Medium-Dry
Bloom time
May–Jun
Bloom color
Yellow
Notes
Rhizomatous

About Prairie Sundrops

Prairie Sundrops bring a burst of pure sunshine to the garden with their vibrant, cup-shaped yellow blossoms. Unlike many of its evening-blooming relatives, this species opens its flowers during the day, allowing gardeners to enjoy its cheery display from May through July. The plant typically grows 1 to 2 feet tall and features hairy stems and leaves, which give it a soft, textured appearance. Native to the tallgrass prairies and moist meadows of the Midwest and Eastern U.S., it prefers medium-wet to medium-dry soils and full to partial sun. Prairie Sundrops are rhizomatous and can slowly spread to form attractive colonies, making them an excellent choice for groundcover or mass plantings. They are highly attractive to a wide array of pollinators, including butterflies, bees, and specialized moths. With its fragrant blooms and adaptability to clay soils, this perennial is a fantastic addition to pollinator gardens or native borders. For the best floral display, ensure it has consistent moisture during the heat of the summer.

Native range

Native to 24 states:

AlabamaArkansasConnecticutIowaIllinoisIndianaKentuckyLouisianaMassachusettsMaineMichiganMissouriMississippiNew HampshireNew JerseyNew YorkOhioPennsylvaniaTennesseeTexasVirginiaVermontWisconsinWest Virginia

County range map

BONAP county-level native range map for Oenothera pilosella

Range map courtesy of BONAP (Biota of North America Program).

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