Kim,

It's a species of Evening Primrose, Oenothera sp. Out West it would most likely be Oenothera hookerii, but it's probably some other type in your area. There are a number of shorter types of Evening Primroses that are sold as seed or as plants, but I like even the weedy ones like you have. Night-flying Sphinx moths like them too... As far as collecting seeds, the plants usually forms winged capsules that often turn woody before spliting open and dispersing the seeds. It might be a good idea to tie a piece of cheese cloth or panty hose around the capsule so that the seeds aren't lost when they open.

Regards,

Mike

It's Evening Primrose, probably Oenothera biennis (common evening primrose).

If it's Oenothera biennis, it's a biennial native plant. It isn't listed as a noxious or invasive weed in Maryland. In fact, it's on the list of native plants approved by the US DOT for planting along federal highways.

It's recommended for native plantings because it produces both nectar for night-feeding moths and pollen for native bees. The Japanese beetles are chewing up the ones around here, too.

You can collect the seed cases in the fall and dry them indoors for a few days, then they split open lengthwise. Then you can scatter the seeds where you want them to grow.

-- BC --

Thanks SO much, Mike and BC! I really appreciate your help in identifying my unknown, and it's very nice to know it's something desirable for a change! Usually any volunteers I get are not so useful or appreciated. ;-)

This one knew exactly where it belonged when it showed up in my border. I just mentioned to my DH the other day that I needed more yellows in there, to balance out all the reds and pinks.

It's actually a very attractive plant, looks like it will be a long bloomer, and I surely can't complain about the price! My bees and moths should be happy with it now that the Japanese beetles are about gone, and I was especially pleased to find out the native bees like it. I try to encourage honeybees as much as possible, since they seem to be declining in numbers every year.

Thanks to you both I'll hopefully get seeds to plant more primroses, although in the BACK of the border this time...LOL

Best regards,
Kim

It is a favorite plant of deer around my place (it and lactuca species) But is very prolific and self seeds well. You can generally recognize the seedlings by the reddish tinted leaf edges, and leave them or move them, or pull them depending on their appropriateness to location. I generally leave a few of them and a few mullen seedlings in the gardens as height accents.

George

I love these, as do the goldfinches ;)

Thanks for that very helpful info, Geoforce! I was hoping I'd get some natural reseeding, but I'll try to gather some seeds as well just in case. It's good to know I might be able to recognize the seedlings from the red-tinted leaves so I can keep them toward the back of the border next year.

I'm a little confused about the biennual part, since there was a coreopsis behind that spot last year with a small dianthus in front, both of which are still there. This primrose grew right in front, almost at the lawn edge, so I can't imagine how I could have missed seeing the young plant last year while weeding. According to what I've read on Google, rarely they occur as summer annuals. Are they annuals for you?

Tracey, that's good to know so I won't cut it down this fall. I have tons of goldfinches here and always leave my coneflowers and sunflowers stand over the winter for them. Thanks for letting me know they like primroses too!

Kim