Oenothera fruticosa has hairy, erect stems of reddish green leaves and is topped by day-blooming, bright yellow, four petaled flowers. A spreading perennial, it is a very adaptable plant that maintains a basal rosette of purple to bronze leaves in winter. Also known as Sundrops, this is a good plant for pollinators; beetles, butterflies, skippers, honeybees and native bees visit the blooms. Hummingbirds will feed on its nectar and on small insects found in the flowers.
Oenothera fruticosa is native to eastern Canada and to the United States from Oklahoma and Michigan eastward. It is naturally found in moist to dry open woods, meadows, sandhills, glades, and rock outcrops.
Oenothera fruticosa prefers full sun and average to dry, well-drained soil. It is tolerant of some shade but will not bloom as well. A tough plant, Sundrops is tolerant of hot sites and infertile, dry soils.
