Evening Primrose

this lovely flower is evening primrose, oenothera biennis, a great plant that is not only entirely edible (leaves, roots, fllowers and seed pods), but has a wealth of benefical medicinal uses.

it is a north american native plant that is cultivated in gardens all over the world. oil from the seeds contains g.l.a., gamma linoleinc acid, a valuable and benefical fatty acid not made by the body. one of its many uses is to reduce pain and inflammation.

i found this plant in the vacant lot across the street from where i live. the plant is 4-5 ft tall and the flowers are 2.5 inches in diameter.