Derivation uncertain: 1. Greek ονος θηρας (onos theras), or “donkey catcher.” 2. Or οινος θηρας (oinos theras), “wine seeker.” 3. Or Latin oenothera, “a plant whose juices may cause sleep”
This is the “dandelion subspecies” of yellow evening primose, so-called for the
resemblance of its foliage to dandelion leaves.
Identification: You know you’re talking about an
unusual plant when you can’t find much of anything about it online. Plants have a rosette of
basal leaves reminiscent of dandelion leaves. Flowers emerge directly from the base on
red stems. Flowers are yellow, about 1-1½" (2.5-3.8 cm) around, with four petals. Plants and
flowers together are only about 8" (20 cm) tall.