SafePlants

Yellow Sundrops: A Burst of Sunshine in Your Garden

Yellow Sundrops are a delightful addition to any garden, known for their vibrant yellow flowers that bloom in early summer. These easy-to-grow perennials are perfect for adding a splash of color to borders and wildflower gardens, attracting butterflies and adding a touch of golden beauty to your outdoor space.

Considerations for Pets

• Some varieties, like *Calylophus serrulatus*, are halfshrubs.
• The plants have upright, leafy stems.

Scientific Classification and Nomenclature

• Common Names: Yellow Sundrops, Yellow Evening Primrose, Plains Evening Primrose, Shrubby Evening Primrose, Ozark Sundrop
• Scientific Names: Several species are referred to as Yellow Sundrops, including:
  • Calylophus serrulatus (Nutt.) P.H. Raven
  • Oenothera missiensis
  • Oenothera fruticosa
  • Oenothera tetragona Roth
  • Oenothera serrulata
• Family: Onagraceae (Willowherb Family)
• Kingdom: Plantae
• Taxonomic Rank: Species, Subspecies (mentioned in reference to *Calylophus serrulatus*)
• Synonyms: The text mentions different classifications and former names, indicating some taxonomic revision over time.

Distribution and Habitat

• Native to much of the central and western US.
• High Plains Yellow Sundrops are found in the western Great Plains.
• A specific location mentioned is the Laramie Plain, a high-plains grassland south of Laramie, Wyoming.
• Well-suited to hot, dry sites.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Plants form a bushy, upright mound.
• Yellow sundrops are leafy, bushy perennials, typically 8-20 inches tall, but some varieties can grow larger (stems up to 2 1/2 feet tall).
• Stems are usually branched.
• Leaves are often folded along the midrib.
• Flowers are typically yellow, with some varieties having red buds that open to yellow flowers.
• Flowers can be cup-shaped, with 4 petals, up to 1 inch across for some varieties, and 4-5 inches in diameter for the Ozark Sundrop.
• Some varieties have spotted red foliage.
• Taprooted perennial, preferring to remain in place once established.

Ecological Role

• The plant attracts butterflies.

Quirky Facts

• The bright yellow flower petals look like molten gold.
• The flowers emerge from distinctive indian red flower buds.
• The gorgeous sundrop flower is like a yellow drop of sunlight.

Additional Information

• Learn more at HowStuffWorks.
• Photos and information about Minnesota flora.
• Encyclopedia of Life.
• Discover Life's page about the biology, natural history, ecology, identification and distribution of *Calylophus serrulatus*.