Missouri evening primrose is a sprawling perennial that typically grows 6 to 12 inches tall and 12 to 18 inches across, though through reseeding, it can spread farther. It has singe, 4-petaled, mildly fragrant, bright yellow flowers which open for only one day (usually open late afternoon and remain open until the following morning). Flowers are generally upward-facing, but sometimes rest on or touch the ground. Long spring to summer bloom period. Flowers are followed by somewhat unique, winged seed pods. Narrow, lance-shaped leaves. Stems are sometimes a vivid crimson red. Grow in rock gardens, perennial borders, parkstrips, and evening gardens. Many cultivars available.
Grown in average, dry to medium, well-drained soil in full sun. Tolerates poor and/or limy soils, drought, and some light shade. Easily grown from seed and will self-seed under optimum growing conditions (which is almost anything). Doesn't grow well in wet soils. This species was formerly called (and is still often listed for sale as) Oenothera missouriensis.