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Overview
Eremothera spp. is a genus of small annual herbs in the evening primrose family, Onagraceae, native to the deserts and dry country of western North America. About seven species are recognised, segregated from the broader Camissonia spp. and Oenothera spp. complex; examples include E. boothii and E. refracta. Plants are slender, upright desert annuals growing roughly 4 to 24 in (10 to 60 cm) tall, with narrow leaves and nodding flower buds along the stems. The four-petalled flowers are small and white, usually fading to pink or red as they age, and open near the ends of the stems. Flowering follows winter and spring rainfall, mainly from spring into early summer, after which the plants set narrow seed capsules and dry out. As desert ephemerals, Eremothera spp. species germinate and flower only when rainfall is sufficient, so their numbers swing widely between years. The plants are short-lived and rely entirely on seed, persisting in the soil seed bank rather than as standing growth. Their small flowers and slender stems give limited presence in cultivation outside naturalistic desert plantings.
Native Range
Native to western North America, from the deserts and arid basins of California, Nevada, Arizona, and Utah into northern Mexico. Eremothera spp. grows on sandy flats, washes, and gravelly slopes in desert and dry scrub.Suggested Uses
Eremothera spp. species are used in desert, native, and wildflower plantings and in seed mixes for arid-land restoration. The flowers supply nectar and pollen to native bees and moths. They suit naturalistic dryland gardens where weather-dependent, seasonal flowering is acceptable.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height4" - 2'
Width/Spread4" - 1'
Bloom Information
Flowering is driven by winter and spring rains and runs mainly from spring into early summer, roughly March to June. The small white flowers age to pink over a day or two. In dry years germination may fail and few plants appear.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
White aging to pinkFoliage Description
GreenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-12 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Water & Climate
Water Needs
Drought Tolerance
Drought tolerant when established