Most Inconsequential Weed

[thistlebloom]

Oh, you may be on to something there Steve, they close up in the evening and they have a very light fragrance. They do just pop up all over, but most heavily under the pines. They fade to white after a few days.

 

[digitS']

The USDA shows that Oenothera speciosus is only native in the South/Southwest/Mexico. This is also true with Oenothera rosea, which may just be a subspecies. However, I know that it can grow readily, even become somewhat invasive, in Colorado - which the USDA shows as outside of its native range. Maybe the USDA has missed it or, it just doesn't occur there naturally.

High Country Gardens sells Oenothera speciosus Rosea and claims that its hardiness extends into zone 5.

So, maybe that's it . . . ?

Steve

 

[thistlebloom]

Hmmm, I looked at that site and my flower blooms now (Aprilish) and will be totally gone before it gets hot. It doesn't form a mat and doesn't seem to spread a lot. It's also quite small, the blooms are about the size of my pinkie fingernail, but, uh,..... cleaner.
It has 5 petals, but in my pic it really does look primrosie.

 

[digitS']

How about this one:

Oenothera caespitosa (Rock Rose Evening Primrose - click)?

Here is its range and USDA information (click).

digitS'

 

[thistlebloom]

Nope, the foliage isn't the same. I should see if I can ID it in one of my wildflower books.

Hey, I found it! It's a Spring Beauty Claytonia lanceolata and It' even edible!
http://lewis-clark.org/content/content-article.asp?ArticleID=2163
Thanks for helping me figure it out Steve