Alien Evening Primrose (1 Viewer)

[Peewit]

hi there

I was at Paxton Pits, close to St Neots yesterday as part of my patch in Bedford, and I came across this very attractive flower which I have never seen before. :-O

It is an alien form of an Evening Primrose which has established itself in the UK. I have to say I have never seen it before until yesterday, and it was a very attractive plant. It just seemed to be growing everywhere.

So the soil type in this reserve must suit its needs. Anyone else seen this plant species before in the UK, and where?

Kathy
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[Davidbr]

Evening-primroses (Oenothera sp.) are actually well-established introductions in the UK nowadays, being especially frequent in southern Britain and sometimes abundant in coastal dunes (Brean Down, near Bristol, has a very attractive display of them in June & July).

There are four main species: Large-flowered Evening-primrose (Oenothera glaziovana), Small-flowered Evening-primrose (O.cambrica), Common Evening-primrose (O.biennis) & Fragrant Evening-primrose (O.stricta), plus one very rare and distinctive species Pink evening-primrose (O.rosea) that I've only ever seen as a casual near the Avon Gorge in Bristol.

From the photo yours looks to be Large-flowered, the commonest and most attractive species; Small-flowered & Common are pretty widespread too, whilst Fragrant is really a speciality of southern sand-dunes. They're all American introductions, don't seem to cause any major problems and definitely brighten up the countryside!

 

[KnockerNorton]

I agree with Davidbr. They're flowering all over S/E England right now.

 

[Peewit]

Evening-primroses (Oenothera sp.) are actually well-established introductions in the UK nowadays, being especially frequent in southern Britain and sometimes abundant in coastal dunes (Brean Down, near Bristol, has a very attractive display of them in June & July).

There are four main species: Large-flowered Evening-primrose (Oenothera glaziovana), Small-flowered Evening-primrose (O.cambrica), Common Evening-primrose (O.biennis) & Fragrant Evening-primrose (O.stricta), plus one very rare and distinctive species Pink evening-primrose (O.rosea) that I've only ever seen as a casual near the Avon Gorge in Bristol.

From the photo yours looks to be Large-flowered, the commonest and most attractive species; Small-flowered & Common are pretty widespread too, whilst Fragrant is really a speciality of southern sand-dunes. They're all American introductions, don't seem to cause any major problems and definitely brighten up the countryside!

I agree with Davidbr. They're flowering all over S/E England right now.

hi there

Thank you for your replies. Shows what a sheltered life I led while living in Scotland all those years.

There are a lot more plants I have never seen until I moved to Bedford, and it makes it all the more interesting.

Kathy
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[harry eales]

hi there

I was at Paxton Pits, close to St Neots yesterday as part of my patch in Bedford, and I came across this very attractive flower which I have never seen before. :-O

It is an alien form of an Evening Primrose which has established itself in the UK. I have to say I have never seen it before until yesterday, and it was a very attractive plant. It just seemed to be growing everywhere.

So the soil type in this reserve must suit its needs. Anyone else seen this plant species before in the UK, and where?

Kathy
x

Hello Kathy,

Evening Primrose is a fairly common plant on Brownfield Sites and elsewhere in Northumberland and Durham. It's a bit like Buddlia, it turns up everywhere. A lovely looking plant and very welcome when most of the indiginous species have finished flowering.

Harry

 

[Peewit]

Hello Kathy,

Evening Primrose is a fairly common plant on Brownfield Sites and elsewhere in Northumberland and Durham. It's a bit like Buddlia, it turns up everywhere. A lovely looking plant and very welcome when most of the indiginous species have finished flowering.

Harry

hi Harry

Thank for your comments

So it appears that Evening Primrosoes are not native to the UK at all?

I have to say it is a very attractive to look at, and it has a cheery disposition about it. I would brighten up a 'dead pan' area no problem.

Will look out in other areas local to here in Bedford, and surrounding areas for more sightings.

Kathy
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