Evening Primrose (Oenothera biennis)
Flowers: Late spring to late summer. Height: 100cm (40in).
Introduced to Britain in the late 1600s, its names of Evening Primrose or Evening Star alludes to its large, yellow, sun-like flowers that only open in the evening.
Medicinal: Medieval practitioners used various parts of the plant to treat a number of common ailments, including pain, skin disorders and facial blemishes. Early herbalists called the plant King’s Cure All due to its remarkable anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties. It was particularly known to improve women’s reproductive health.
Culinary: It is believed that the genus name, Oenothera, derives from the Greek word for ‘wine scenting’ and refers to its roots adding fragrance to wine.
