Serrate-leaf evening primrose

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Serrate-leaf evening primrose flower

Serrate-leaf evening primrose

Serrate-leaf evening primrose

Serrate-leaf evening primrose

Serrate-leaf evening primrose flower

Serrate-leaf evening primrose stamens and stigma

Serrate-leaf evening primrose

Serrate-leaf evening primrose

Serrate-leaf evening primrose habit

Serrate-leaf evening primrose

Serrate-leaf evening primrose

Serrate-leaf evening primrose

Serrate-leaf evening primrose

Serrate-leaf evening primrose

Serrate-leaf evening primrose

Serrate-leaf evening primrose sepals and leaves

Morphology

Stem

Erect or decumbent, few to many, simple or branched from base, glabrous or hairy.

Leaves

Alternate, simple, sessile, linear-oblong to narrowly lanceolate, 1/2 to 4 inches long, less than 1/2 inch wide, nearly glabrous or hairy above, gray-hairy below, often folded lengthwise; margins toothed or entire; tips pointed to rounded.

Inflorescence

Solitary flowers, in axils of upper leaves.

Flower

1-2 inches wide, floral tubes less than 3/5 inch long; sepals 4, distinctly keeled; petals 4, 1/4 to 3/4 inch long, about as wide, bright yellow, fading to pale yellow or pinkish; stamens 8; stigma disc-shaped, 4-lobed, extending nearly to tips of stamens.

Fruit

Capsules, linear-cylindric, 1/2 to 1 inch long, 4-angled, thick-walled, slightly grooved, silvery-hairy; seeds many, small, brown.

Ecology

Habitat

Dry rocky, gravelly, or sandy prairies, hillsides, roadsides, and open woods.

Distribution

Throughout Kansas.

Practical Information

Forage Value

Serrate-leaf evening primrose is palatable and nutritious to livestock, particularly the new growth. It decreases on overgrazed rangeland.

Additional Notes

Synonyms

Alternative scientific names that have been used for this plant.