Oenothera biennis L. (Evening primrose)

Oenothera biennis L. – (Evening primrose)

Biennial plant of the Willow herb family -Onagraceae-, up to 1,2 m. Erect, hairy stems. First year leaves ovato-lanceolate,alternate, short-stalked, forming a rosette. Stem leaves growing in the second year, sessile, till 15 cm long. Yellow pale flowers, very fragant, till 4 cm in diameter, four-petalled with 8 stamens shorter than the petals,that open at night. Fruits in capsule. Native from North America, it was introduce in Europe in the XVII century. Now it can be found as a naturalized plant by the side of the roads, lanes, dunes, etc.