Description
Oenothera lamarckiana
Herb mainly known for its medicinal properties, but all parts are edible. The young roots have a peppery flavour and can be eaten raw or cooked like potatoes. Young shoots and leaves can be used in salads or cooked like spinach or in soups, and contain health-giving flavonoids, mucilages, tannins and sugars. Young flowering stems can be peeled and then eaten raw, fried or pickled, and the flowers themselves can be used in green or fruit salads. The seeds are a rich source of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA).
Evening primrose has been used in alternative medicine to treat nerve damage caused by diabetes, osteoporosis, asthma, eczema, attention deficit- hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), hepatitis B, high cholesterol, liver cancer, breast pain, obesity, menopausal hot flashes and night sweats, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), and skin or joint symptoms of psoriasis. However, research on its effectiveness is not conclusive. Native American tribes used the whole plant and especially the leaves to make a tea as a stimulant to treat laziness and against “over fatness”. The tribes also used the roots externally to treat piles and boils. Additionally, they were chewed and rubbed onto the muscles to improve strength.
Ornamental, fragrant yellow flowers are borne on tall sturdy spikes and open from late afternoon to evening or on cloudy days. Biennial but will usually self-seed. Heat and drought tolerant and suited to most soil types. Full sun. 120cm.
9cm pot. Certified organic plant.
