Uses & Cultivation of the Evening Primrose Blossom

Uses

Young roots can be eaten like a vegetable (with a peppery flavor), or the shoots can be eaten as a salad. The whole plant was used to prepare an infusion with astringent and sedative properties. It was considered to be effective in healing asthmatic coughs, gastro-intestinal disorders, whooping cough and as a sedative pain-killer. Poultices containing O. biennis were at one time used to ease bruises and speed wound healing. One of the common names for Oenothera, "Kings cureall", reflects the wide range of healing powers ascribed to this plant, although it should be noted that its efficacy for these purposes has not been demonstrated in clinical trials.

The mature seeds contain approximately 7-10% gamma-linolenic acid, a rare essential fatty acid. The oil also contains around 70% linoleic acid. The O. biennis seed oil is used to reduce the pains of premenstrual stress syndrome. Gamma-linolenic acid also shows promise against breast cancer.



Cultivation

A number of perennial members of the genus are commonly cultivated and used in Southwestern U.S. landscapes. The more popular species include Oenothera caespitosa, the tufted evening primrose, Oenothera berlanderii, the Mexican evening primrose, and Oenothera stubbei the Saltillo primrose.

Annual evening-primroses are very popular ornamental plants in gardens. For best growth, the seeds can be sown in situ. In temperate climates, planting should be from late spring to early summer. Some species grow successfully in fertile soils if competing species are kept at bay. Some evening-primrose species can be planted in any ordinary, dry, well-drained garden soil (preferably sandy loam) in an open site that is sunny to partly shady. Many are fairly drought-resistant.

The first plants to arrive in Europe reached Padua from Virginia in 1614 and were described by the English botanist John Goodyer in 1621. Some species are now also naturalized in parts of Europe and Asia, and can be grown as far north as 65° N in Finland. The UK National Council for the Conservation of Plants and Gardens, based at Wisley, maintains an Oenothera collection as part of its National Collections scheme.





Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oenothera

See also: Flowers Jamaica, Gift Philippines, Flower Philippines