“Evening Primrose, Beauty of the Nocturne”

“Common Evening Primrose grows in recently disturbed soils of prairies, old fields, roadsides and other sunny medium to dry sites. It can reach heights of 6′ in the right conditions but is often shorter. It is one of the last natives blooming late into fall. As a biennial, it grows vegetatively during the first year and completes its life cycle during the second, but will re-seed. Although labeled as a weed by some, it is a very important native plant with a long bloom time benefiting nectaring moths, butterfiles, caterpillars and many kinds of bees.

Much of the life cycle of the stunning pink Primrose Moth (Schinia florida) can be in the Common Evening Primrose plant. The small green larvea of the Primrose Moth will feed on the flowers and seed of the plant and the adult moth can often be found resting on the yellow flowers, pollinating them in the process.” (Source: Prairie Moon Nursery)

Pollination Facts:

*Rapid Opening: Blossoms open quickly near sunset—a movement fast enough to watch on a warm, still evening.
*Aroma & Color: Bright yellow or pale petals stand out in low light, paired with sweet nocturnal fragrances to guide-in night-flying insects.
*Acoustic Response: Research shows some evening primrose species can increase nectar sugar concentration by up to 20% within minutes of detecting the sound of buzzing bee wings.
*Backup Self-Pollination: If nocturnal or daytime pollinators fail to visit, the stigma arms curl backward to touch remaining pollen, ensuring self-fertilization.
*Primary Pollinators & Visitors–Moths: White-lined sphinx moths and specialized hawkmoths act as principal night pollinators.
*Specialized Insects: The evening primrose flower moth relies heavily on the plant as a dedicated caterpillar host.
*Daytime Guests: Native bees, honeybees, and bumblebees forage for leftover pollen and early morning nectar

Who is in this piece? Hummingbird Sphinx Moth (left center), Ruby Throated Hummingbird (right center), and native bees (left upper and right center).

Original mixed media on raw stretched canvas with hard maple float frame.

Alternative hardwood frame available upon request at no extra cost. Email with inquiries.