Prairie Wildflowers and Grasses of North Dakota

Summer Wildflowers

Chris Grondahl photo: Gumbo lily (inset shows top view of flower)
Chris Grondahl Gumbo lily
(Oenothera caespitosa)
Distribution: western half of state
Habitat: common on dry prairie hillsides, on butte sides in badlands
Flowers: the flower opens white in the evening but soon turns pink, 4 petals, 1½ to 3 inches across
Height: 2-3 inches
Blooms: June and July
Family name: Evening primrose (Onagraceae)
Other names: Gumbo evening primrose
Plant uses and other interesting facts: Pollinated by night flying insects.

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