Home > Herbs > Oenothera

evening-primrose

Oenothera · Accepted scientific name

Scientific literature: Very Sparse (3 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆

Evening-primrose, scientifically known as Oenothera, is a versatile flowering plant cherished for its therapeutic potential. Renowned for its evening blooms, it is a rich source of gamma-linolenic acid. Traditionally used to support skin health and hormonal balance, this resilient herb remains a cornerstone in natural wellness and botanical studies.

Family
Onagraceae
Native range
Europe
Parts used
Seed
Common names
Evening-Primrose · Evening Primrose · 2 more
Scientific synonyms
Raimannia · Anogra · 21 more

Names and Synonyms

Common Names

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Oenothera

Synonyms

Regional and Traditional Names

Spanish:

  • Onagra
  • Oenethera

German:

  • Nachtkerzen
  • Nachtkerze
  • Nachtkerze
  • Nachtkerzen

French:

  • Œnothère
  • Oenothère
  • Herbe aux ânes
  • Onagre
  • Onagres
  • Œnothère

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Myrtoales, it is classified under the family Onagraceae. Finally, its taxonomic designation is placed within the genus Oenothera.

Rank Classification
Kingdom Plantae
Phylum Streptophyta
Class Equisetopsida
Subclass Magnoliidae
Order Myrtales
Family Onagraceae
Genus Oenothera

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant is widely recognized across various regions of Northern Europe. Its presence is well-documented throughout the coastal and inland areas of Denmark. It can also be found growing within the diverse landscapes of Finland. Furthermore, the species is distributed across the islands of Great Britain and Ireland. Finally, its geographical range extends into the rugged terrain of Norway.

Region Area
Northern Europe Denmark
Northern Europe Finland
Northern Europe Great Britain
Northern Europe Ireland
Northern Europe Norway
Northern Europe Sweden
Middle Europe Austria
Middle Europe Belgium
Middle Europe Czechia-Slovakia
Middle Europe Germany

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Plant Parts

Oenothera has 1 reported plant parts identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases that are studied for medicinal purposes. The most consistently reported plant part include seed.

Plant parts reported in Oenothera
Plant part Supporting sources Consensus
Seed 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆

Seed

  1. Frontiers in plant science

Chemicals

Oenothera has 2 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Ellagitannins, Gamma-linoleic acid.

Chemicals reported in Oenothera
Chemical Supporting sources Consensus
Ellagitannins 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆
Gamma-linoleic acid 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆

Ellagitannins

  1. Frontiers in plant science

Gamma-linoleic acid

  1. Frontiers in plant science

Preparations

Oenothera has 1 reported preparations identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include oil seed crop.

Preparations reported for Oenothera
Preparation Supporting sources Consensus
Oil seed crop 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆

Oil seed crop

  1. Frontiers in plant science