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Overview
Oenothera curtiflora is an upright annual in the evening-primrose family (Onagraceae), formerly classified as Gaura mollis. It grows 1.5-10 feet (0.5-3 m) tall on a single stem that branches in the upper portion, the whole plant covered in soft, velvety hairs. Leaves are alternate, lance-shaped to elliptic, 1-4 inches (2.5-10 cm) long, with shallowly toothed or wavy margins. Flowers open along slender terminal spikes, each bloom about 0.2-0.4 inch (5-10 mm) across with four small petals that open white to pale pink and age to rose-pink. Blooms open near dusk and are pollinated by moths and bees. The four-angled, hard, nutlike fruits are 0.2-0.3 inch (5-8 mm) long and hold a few seeds. As a fast-growing annual it completes its cycle in one season, germinating in spring, flowering through summer, and setting seed before frost. It colonizes disturbed ground, roadsides, fields, and floodplains, and self-sows freely. One limitation in cultivation is its height combined with weak, top-heavy stems, which lean or fall in exposed sites.
Native Range
Native to the south-central United States and northern Mexico, including Texas, Oklahoma, and neighboring states. It has spread eastward and now occurs as a naturalized annual across much of the eastern and central United States.Suggested Uses
Oenothera curtiflora is used in naturalized meadows, wildflower plantings, and pollinator gardens where its evening flowers draw moths. Its height suits the back of informal borders. It is more often a weed of disturbed sites than a cultivated plant.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height1'6" - 10'
Width/Spread1' - 2'
Bloom Information
Flowering runs from late spring into fall, generally May through October depending on latitude. Individual flowers open in the evening, last about a day, and progress up the spike over several weeks. A single plant blooms for two to three months in favorable conditions.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
white 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
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Oenothera curtiflora grows in full sun on dry to moderately moist soils, tolerating poor, sandy, or disturbed ground. It germinates from spring through early summer and needs no supplemental water once established in regions with summer rainfall. Rich or wet soil produces tall, lax stems that lean. The plant self-sows quickly, so volunteer seedlings appear the following season. It carries little pest or disease pressure. In garden settings it behaves as a short-lived pioneer rather than a long-term occupant.Pruning
As an annual it needs no structural pruning. Cutting back spent flower spikes before seed matures limits self-sowing. Plants die at the first hard frost and can be cleared at the end of the season.✓ Toxicity
Non-toxicPlanting Guide
Planting Methods & Timing
Planting Method
direct sow
Direct Sow Timing
Spring after the last frost
Days to Maturity
60–90 days
Plant Spacing
18 inches