Oenothera gaura

Biennial beeblossom’s white flower petals develop a lovely pink blush as they age. Although the flowers are quite attractive, they are small and thus not especially showy. The plant’s main visual appeal can be seen in the fall, when its leaves turn red as the temperature cools.    

As its name suggests, biennial beeblossom completes its life in two years, existing during the first year as a cluster of leaves upon the ground and then producing a stem and blooming during the second year. At maturity, the plant is quite tall, with branches along its upper stem. Biennial beeblossom’s flowers are a nectar source primarily for long-tongued pollinators such as bumblebees and moths.

Like many biennial plants, biennial beeblossom is well adapted to disturbance and establishes rapidly in recently installed pollinator gardens, eventually giving way to longer-lived perennial plants. The plant’s tall, branching form and understated flowers are most consistent with a prairie-style rather than formal garden. Within its native NE Ohio range, biennial beeblossom is found growing in meadows under conditions of average soil moisture and full sun. Biennial beeblossom typically blooms during the month of August.

References: 1,2.

Photo by Ashley Keesling.