Oenothera Pallida, Pale Evening Primrose

Unlike some other evening primrose varieties which stay close to the ground, oenothera pallida grows quite tall - up to 3 feet, bearing its four-petaled flowers along the upper portions of long, thin, curving, reddish stems. But like other species the flowers are large, about 3 inches across, white for most of the blooming period becoming pinkish when mature. Buds are reddish purple. The petals overlap only slightly or remain separate, and have a lime green patch at the base. They often have a distinct ridge down the middle, radiating out from the center. In the middle of the flower are thin stamens bearing yellow anthers, and a longer ovarian tube.

On older plants the base of the stems becomes woody. All plant parts are hairless. The irregularly-toothed leaves and sprawling stems give the plant a somewhat untidy appearance. Stem leaves are similar in size to those around the base.