This evening primrose grows from extensive slender rhizomes that may be more than a foot below the surface. Overtime, a single plant can produce a clump of 200 centimeters (about 6 feet) in diameter. Simple toothed leaves emerge in late spring and are about 3 to 8 centimeters (1 to 3 inches) long and about 2 centimeters (3/4 inches) wide . They are on short petioles with fringe-like segments near the petiole. Flowers are produced in small clusters at the end of long stems. They are white tinged with pink to pinkish and 3.5 to 9 centimeters (1.5 to 3.6 inches) across. Flowering begins in May and may continue to October depending on location.

The evening primrose common name comes from tendency of flowers in this family to open in the afternoon or evening, although some open in the morning. The fruit is a narrow capsule 12 to 18 millimeters (0.5 to 0.7 inches) long. Typical habitat is in prairie, fields, meadows and open woodlands, often in sandy soil. It is usually abundant in these locations. It is available from many native plant nurseries and while attractive, it can become extremely weedy in a garden. Never dig plants from the wild.

Light: Full sun best, will accept some shade though flowering will be less.

Soil: Tolerant to a range of soil pH. Performs better if soil has a sandy texture.

Watering: Infrequent watering during summer is needed or else this herbaceous plant will go dormant or die back. Drought or cold weather encourages red pigmentation in foliage.

Pruning: Shear or mow to ground during late summer to early fall.

Propagation: Seed, division, root cuttings.

Additional comments: This not so common ground cover is bright and cheery when in bloom, but can become invasive and pesky if allowed to spread without restraint.