NC State Extension Publications

Description

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Cutleaf evening-primrose (Oenothera laciniata) is a herbaceous weed that can grow to 28 inches tall. Often, the plant is upright, but the stems also recline and creep along the ground. The leaves are alternate, and toothed and lobed. The flowers are striking, and are yellow but sometimes have pink tinges to them. The flowers first appear in late spring and continue into early fall. Also unique is the elongated and curved seed pod located on the stems of the plant. Cutleaf evening primrose is found in fields, fencerows and waste areas, and is classified as a biennial, winter annual and sometimes a summer annual.

Cultural Control

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Proper turf management is important for biennial broadleaf weed control. Maintain a dense, actively growing turf through proper mowing, fertilizing, and watering practices. Mow at the proper height for your selected adapted turfgrass. Coring and traffic control reduce compaction and encourage desirable turfgrass competition. It is best to control this biennial broadleaf weed in spring or fall, if actively growing at these times.

Species Data

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  • GROWTH SEASON / LIFE CYCLE
    • winter annual weed or biennial weed
  • GROWTH HABIT
  • LEAFLET NUMBER
    • one
  • LEAF MARGIN
  • LEAF HAIRS
    • upper / lower surface
  • LEAF / LEAFLET SHAPE
    • linear / oblong / oval / egg-shaped / elliptical
      Figure 8
  • LEAF VENATION
    • pinnate
  • LEAF ARRANGEMENT
    • alternate; whorled or basal rosette
  • ROOT TYPE
    • taproot; fibrous
Cutleaf evening-primrose growth habit.

Figure 1. Cutleaf evening-primrose growth habit.

Cutleaf evening-primrose growth habit.

Figure 2. Cutleaf evening-primrose growth habit.

Cutleaf evening-primrose growth habit.

Figure 3. Cutleaf evening-primrose growth habit.

Cutleaf evening-primrose growth habit.

Figure 4. Cutleaf evening-primrose growth habit.

Cutleaf evening-primrose growth habit.

Figure 5. Cutleaf evening-primrose growth habit.

Cutleaf evening-primrose growth habit.

Figure 6. Cutleaf evening-primrose growth habit.

Cutleaf evening-primrose leaf margin.

Figure 7. Cutleaf evening-primrose leaf margin.

Cutleaf evening-primrose leaflet shape.

Figure 8. Cutleaf evening-primrose leaflet shape.

Author

Extension Specialist (Turfgrass/Forage Crop Weed Mgt)
Crop & Soil Sciences

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Publication date: Nov. 21, 2017

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