Description
Missouri Evening Primrose (Oenothera macrocarpa), also known as Ozark Sundrops or Bigfruit Evening Primrose, is a tough, drought-tolerant perennial native to the central U.S. From May through August, it produces striking yellow flowers—up to 4 inches wide—that open in the late afternoon and fade by morning, drawing in night-feeding bees and moths.
This low-growing wildflower forms tidy clumps about 1 foot tall, with narrow, lance-shaped leaves and red trailing stems. It thrives in full sun and dry, well-drained soils—especially in rocky prairies and limestone glades—and does not tolerate wet conditions.
In fall, the plant develops eye-catching, four-ridged seed pods that turn reddish-brown. Missouri Evening Primrose self-seeds easily, making it a great choice for sunny borders, rock gardens, and native plant landscapes.
