 |
Common Name: Sundrops
Genus: Oenothera tetragona
Family: Onagraceae
Serendipity Ranch
Columbus, North Carolina
June 4, 2002
|
These perennials, with flowers an inch or more across, appear to hybridize with other similar species and therefore are quite variable. Natives of the eastern U.S., they are found chiefly in the mountain areas of North Carolina where they grow in open woods, in meadows, and along roadsides. May - August [Justice, William S. and Bell, C. Ritchie, Wild Flowers of North Carolina. University of North Carolina Press, Chapel Hill, 1968]
Sundrop blossoms are bright yellow with a prominent cross-shaped stigma in the center. The eight pollen-producing stamens are clearly visible as well. Its four large petals are veiny and conspicuously notched. The lance-shaped leaves are toothed and alternate. Often the leaves have reddish-purple spots. The seed pods are about twice as long as wide. This plant's flowers are open during the day and closed at night. Evening primroses, relatives of sundrops, are closed in daylight and open at twilight. The park has a variety of animals that pollinate plants. Bees, flies, butterflies, wasps, and birds are active during the day. Moths and beetles are nocturnal pollinators. April - August [White, Peter, Wildflowers of the Smokies. Great Smoky Mountains Natural History Association, Gatlinburg, 1996]
January February March April May June July August September October November December
Alphabetical Listings -- A B C D, E F G H I, J, K L M N, O P Q, R S T U, V W X, Y, Z
Family Listings -- A B C D, E F G H I, J, K L M N, O P Q, R S T U, V W X, Y, Z
Genus Listings -- A B C D, E F G H I, J, K L M N, O P Q, R S T U, V W X, Y, Z