Golden Suncup
Oenothera brevipes

Family: Onagraceae

What it is like

Oenothera brevipes is a ANNUAL growing to 0.3 m (1ft). The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Lepidoptera (Moths & Butterflies), bees. The plant is self-fertile. It is noted for attracting wildlife. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.

Height (m): 0.3

Where it is found

Dry slopes and washes below 1500 metres.

South-western N. America - California.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 2

Seed.. No more details are given, but the seed is rather small and its use would be very fiddly. Seedpod. No more details are given. Root - cooked. Too small to be a staple food, but useful in an emergency, the roots taste best in late autumn, winter and early spring. Leaves and young shoots - cooked.

Root: includes bulbs, corms, tubers, rhizomes etc.

Seed: includes nuts, cereals, peas and beans.

Seedpod: things such as Okra, French and Runner beans.

Medicine

Rating: 0

Other

Rating:

Attracts Wildlife: Plants noted for attracting wildlife

Scented Plants: Plants noted for their scent

How it is grown

We have very little information on this species and are not sure if it will succeed outdoors in Britain, though it is worth trying as a spring sown annual. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Prefers a dryish well-drained sandy loam and full sun. Heavy clay soils may induce winter rots. Succeeds in poor soils. The flowers open in the evening, they are richly scented and are very attractive to moths.

Propagating it: Seed - sow in situ from late spring to early summer.

Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;

Habit: Annual

Hardiness:

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium

Shade: No shade

Moisture: Dry, moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Camissonia brevipes. (Gray.)Raven.