Flower Properties

Property	Value
English Name	Large Evening Primrose
MainColor	Yellow
PlantType	Herb
Growth Type	Cultivated
Season	July
ImageUrl	Oenothera-002
Photographer	DP
Location	St Albans
Human Toxicity	Non_Toxic

Flower Details

Description

A tall biennial with bright yellow, fragrant flowers that open in the evening, each lasting just one night. The stems are reddish and covered in fine hairs.

Distribution

Native to South America (Brazil); naturalised across the UK, often on disturbed ground, railways, and sandy soils.

Medicinal/Other Uses

Seeds yield evening primrose oil, rich in gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), used to support hormonal balance, skin health, and inflammation control.

Edibility  

Young roots and shoots can be eaten cooked, though not common. Seeds occasionally used for oil extraction.

Human Toxicity

Large quantities may cause digestive upset; avoid oil supplements during epilepsy treatment or blood-thinning medication.

Pet Toxicity

Not Toxic

Active Compounds

Gamma-linolenic acid, linoleic acid, tannins, flavonoids.