Oenothera biennis

'Evening Primrose'

Onagraceae: a downy biennial of wasteland to 1.5m. The flowers are 4-5cm across, yellow, the flowers only open on dull days and evenings from June-September. The leaves are lanceolate with red veins. Introduced and widely naturalised. Native to Eastern North America - Labrador, south to Florida and Texas. Naturalised in Britain.

USES:

The root and young shoots can be boiled and eaten like salsify, they are fleshy, sweet and succulent, wholesome and nutritious with a peppery taste. The flowers can be eaten raw and they taste sweet, they can be used in salads or as a garnish.

The bark and the leaves have astringent and sedative properties. They have proved of use in the treatment of gastro-intestinal disorders of a functional origin, whooping cough and asthma. A syrup made from the flowers is also an effective treatment for whooping cough. The bark is stripped from the flowering stem and dried for later use, the leaves are also harvested and dried at this time. Evening primrose oil has become a well-known food supplement since the 1980's. Research suggests that the oil is potentially very valuable in the treatment of multiple sclerosis, pre-menstrual tension, and hyperactivity. It is also taken internally in the treatment of eczema, acne, brittle nails, rheumatoid arthritis and alcohol-related liver damage. Regular consumption of the oil helps to reduce blood cholesterol levels and lower the blood pressure. The seed is a good source of gamma-linolenic acid, an unsaturated fatty acid which assists the production of hormone-like substances. This process is commonly blocked in the body, causing disorders that affect the uterine muscles, nervous system and metabolism. The poulticed root is applied to piles and bruises. A tea made from the roots is used in the treatment of obesity and bowel pains.

GROWING INFORMATION:

Prefers a dry well-drained sandy loam and a warm sunny position. Sow seeds in situ from late spring to early summer. Very easy.

HARVESTED: 2021

APPROX. 300+ SEEDS