Article: Oenothera biennis

?Oenothera biennis
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae Division: Magnoliophyta Class: Magnoliopsida Order: Myrtales Family: Onagraceae Genus: Oenothera Species: O. biennis
Binomial name
Oenothera biennis L.

Oenothera biennis (Common evening primrose or Evening star), is a biennial flowering plant growing to 1.2 m (3 to 4 ft), with easy germination.

Its hermaphrodite, pale yellow flowers bloom for most of the summer, from June to September. They open in the evening, hence the name "evening primrose", and are pollinated by Lepidoptera (Moths and Butterflies) and bees.

The mature seeds contain approximately 7-10% gamma-linolenic acid, a rare essential fatty acid. The O. biennis seed oil is used to reduce the pains of premenstrual stress syndrome. Also, poultices containing O. biennis were at one time used to ease bruises and speed wound healing.

This plant article is a stub. Please help Wikipedia grow by expanding it.