Beach Evening Primrose

(Camissonia cheiranthifolia ssp. suffruticosa)

 

Beach Evening Primrose on the the dunes at Crissy Field.

Will Elder, NPS

 

Origin Of Genus Name: Camissonia is named after L. Adelbert von Chamisso, French born German botanist.

Presidio Locations: Found on sandy slopes, flats, and coastal dunes.

Range In State: Southern California coast.

Description: This low growing, perennial is a non-local subspecies was brought here from southern California in the early years of habitat restoration and is now considered an invasive weed in the Presidio, displacing the native subspecies. Beach Evening Primrose can flower during any part of the year and has short-lived, small, bright yellow 4-petaled flowers. The stem has gray oval leaves and a large root system (the roots can grow as big as a fence post.)

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