Oenothera triloba, with common names stemless evening primrose and sessile evening primrose is a flowering plant in the primrose family. It is native to North America, where it is primarily found in northern Mexico and in the south-central United States. It is found in dry, open areas such as glades, prairies, and sometimes even lawns. It appears to respond positively to soil disturbance.Shinners and Mahler's Illustrated Flora of North Central Texas Online
It is a winter annual that produces large yellow flowers in the spring. The flowers open near sunset.
Taxonomy Oenothera triloba was scientifically described and named by Thomas Nuttall in 1821. It is classified in the genus Oenothera as part of the family Onagraceae. According to Plants of the World Online it has no accepted varieties, but it has synonyms including five species and three varieties.
Table of Synonyms Name Year Rank Notes Lavauxia nuttalliana 1835 species = het. Lavauxia triloba 1837 species ≡ hom. Lavauxia triloba var. watsonii 1894 variety = het. Lavauxia watsonii 1903 species = het. Oenothera rhizocarpa 1825 species = het. Oenothera roemeriana 1849 species = het. Oenothera triloba var. parviflora 1877 variety = het. Oenothera triloba var. watsonii 1939 variety = het. Notes: ≡ homotypic synonym; = heterotypic synonym
Uses Among the Zuni people, the plant is used as an ingredient of "schumaakwe cakes" and used externally for rheumatism and swelling. They also grind the roots and use them as food.
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