Akene Seeds - Biennial evening primrose

To successfully sow your seeds,
see the cultivation notes at the bottom of the page!

Evening primrose (Oenothera biennis) is a superb North American native plant, prized for its numerous culinary and medicinal uses. This biennial perennial produces large yellow flowers that open late in the day and remain open all night, emitting a delicate fragrance. This nocturnal flowering makes evening primrose a valuable food source for moths, while also attracting hummingbirds, diurnal butterflies, and other pollinators. The plant can reach between 1 and 1.5 meters in height and reseeds abundantly, allowing it to be grown year after year to enjoy its edible roots, leaves, flowers, and seeds.

Furthermore, biennial evening primrose is recognized as a keystone plant for biodiversity in many North American ecoregions, as it supports a great diversity of insects and birds that depend on the ecological resources it provides.

Sociability Index : 3  → Indicates the plant's behavior in space and its interactions with other plants.

Medicinal and culinary uses
The roots, leaves, flowers, and seeds of biennial evening primrose are anti-inflammatory, astringent, and mildly analgesic. The fleshy first-year root, sweet with a peppery hint, can be eaten raw or cooked and resembles parsnip and salsify. Young leaves and flowers add a delicate touch to salads, while green fruits can be eaten raw or pickled. The seeds can be used as a substitute for poppy seeds. Oil extracted from evening primrose seeds is rich in gamma-linolenic acid and linoleic acid, two omega-6 fatty acids that are beneficial for skin health and help reduce inflammation.

Ecological roles
Evening primrose plays an essential ecological role by providing nectar to nocturnal pollinators, especially moths, which are often short of resources in gardens. It also attracts hummingbirds and diurnal butterflies with its fragrant nocturnal blooms. By self-seeding naturally, it forms colonies that contribute to local biodiversity and offers a sustainable food source for insects. Its ability to grow in various soil types, including poor soils, makes it ideal for ecological and naturalistic gardens.

Evening primrose seeds must undergo cold stratification to germinate successfully. See the cultivation notes below for more details.

Akène cannot be held responsible for the use of plants for therapeutic purposes. Always consult a professional before using a medicinal or edible plant.