Cutleaf Evening Primrose

Cutleaf Evening Primrose (Oenothera laciniata) is in the evening primrose family family (Onagraceae). Across the U.S., iNaturalist users have logged 913 research-grade flowering observations of it in our sample, peaking in April.

Nationally it blooms mainly from March to May, but timing varies a lot by state and elevation — see the table below.

When to photograph Cutleaf Evening Primrose: observations by month (U.S.)

About Cutleaf Evening Primrose

Oenothera laciniata is a species of flowering plant in the evening primrose family known by the common name cutleaf evening primrose. It is native to the eastern United States but it can be found in many other places as an introduced species and sometimes a noxious weed. It is reported from Hawaii, Australia, Britain, France, Korea, Japan, and other areas. This is an annual or short-lived perennial herb producing a spreading stem from a hairy rosette...From Wikipedia via iNaturalist — article, CC BY-SA.

Cutleaf Evening Primrose by state

Main season = months with at least 30% of the state's peak-month count.

Related wildflowers (evening primrose family)

FireweedChamaenerion angustifolium

California fuchsiaEpilobium canum

PinkladiesOenothera speciosa

BrowneyesChylismia claviformis

Ruby Chalice ClarkiaClarkia rubicunda

Winecup ClarkiaClarkia purpurea

California primroseEulobus californicus

Broadleaf Enchanter's NightshadeCircaea canadensis

Photography tips

• Photograph flowers on calm, overcast mornings to avoid wind blur and harsh shadows.
• Get low: a shallow depth of field (f/2.8–f/5.6) isolates a bloom against soft color.
• Stay on trails — trampling meadows kills plants and ruins next year's display.
• Try a kaleidoscope abstract of a single bloom with our online kaleidoscope tool.

FAQ