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Lewis' evening-primrose

Scientific Name: Camissonia lewisii

Family: Onagraceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Forb/herb

Duration: Annual

Other Names:

       

Camissoniopsis lewisii: Lewis' Evening Primrose

Camissoniopsis lewisii, commonly known as Lewis' evening primrose, is a captivating wildflower belonging to the evening primrose family.

Considerations for Pets

  • This plant possesses oblong leaves with pointed tips, which may pose a minor physical hazard if ingested by pets.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Camissoniopsis lewisii
  • Common Name: Lewis' evening primrose
  • Family: Onagraceae (Evening-Primrose Family)
  • Synonym: Camissonia lewisii
  • Note: Camissonia lewisii Raven is not currently an accepted name.
  • The species is named in honor of Captain Meriwether Lewis (1774-1809) of the Lewis and Clark expedition.
  • Element Code: PDONA030X0

Distribution and Habitat

  • Camissoniopsis lewisii is native to southern California and Baja California.
  • It is also native to the United States and found in Mexico.

Morphology and Growth

  • It is described as a forb/herb, meaning it is a non-woody plant that is not a grass.
  • Rosettes of oblong leaves with pointed tips subtend tufted evening-primrose's flower stalks.
  • Each large, white flower has heart-shaped petals, typically eight in number.

Quirky Facts

  • Meriwether Lewis may have been disappointed with his specimen collection of this plant, possibly replacing one collected earlier.

Related Species

  • It is similar to Hooker's evening primrose (Oenothera elata ssp. hirsutissima) and beach primrose (Camissoniopsis cheiranthifolia).

Further Information

  • Discover Life offers a page about the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of this species.
  • Dave's Garden is a helpful resource.