Oenethera biennis
Family: Onagraceae
Self-seeding biennial. Native to Europe and North America.
This herb is very drought tolerant, bravely producing bloom after yellow,
mucilaginous bloom in the evenings, despite sun-baked conditions.
The seed is high in gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), an intermediate in the
synthesis of prostaglandins. Some women report alleviation of PMS
by eating the plant and the seeds. The flowers especially make a
tasty addition to salads. Cultivation: Easy. Scatter seed
on surface of disturbed soil in fall or early spring, or start on surface
of flat and transplant. Seed requires exposure to light in order
to germinate. Plant 12 inches apart. Flowers to 3 to 4 feet.
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