About Oenothera suffulta (Engelm.) W.L.Wagner & Hoch
Oenothera suffulta, commonly known as roadside gaura, is an annual herb that grows in open, sandy habitats. It can reach up to 120 cm (3.9 ft) in height. Its basal leaves grow in a rosette formation; each individual basal leaf can grow up to 11 cm (4.3 in) long and 2.3 cm (0.91 in) wide. The stem (cauline) leaves are alternate and simple, measuring between 1–9 cm (0.4–3.5 in) in length, and can have smooth, wavy, or toothed edges. The underside of the leaves is covered in soft, velvety hairs. Roadside gaura flowers from April to June. Each plant produces a spike of tightly packed flowers, with several flowers opening each day around sunset. The flowers are relatively scentless. Each flower has four long white petals, with each petal measuring 10–15 mm (0.4–0.6 in) long and narrowing at the base. Its fruit is a woody, indehiscent capsule that has broad wings along its angles.
