species 163 observations
Wavy-leaved Gaura
Oenothera sinuosa
Field notes
Oenothera sinuosa is a species of flowering plant in the evening primrose family known by the common names wavyleaf beeblossom and Red River gaura. The species was previously treated as Gaura sinuata, but in 2007 the species, along with the genus Gaura was reclassified in the genus Oenothera. This species then becomes O. sinuosa in Oenothera Section Gaura.
It is native to Mexico and its native range extends as far north into the United States as Oklahoma. It can be found across the southern half of the United States where it is an introduced species and occasionally weedy. This is a tough mat-forming perennial herb with branching, sprawling stems 20 to 60 centimeters long and covered in hairs. The leaves are 1 to 10 centimeters long and are generally toothed along the edges. The plant produces spike inflorescences of small flowers with white to pinkish spoon-shaped petals which darken as they age, often to a deep red. The fruit is a winged, woody capsule with a tapered end, up to 1.5 centimeters in length.
The species is tetraploid, probably of hybrid origin. Its potential for invasive spread through seed is limited by its self-incompatibility.
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Caterpillars
Moths and butterflies raised on it


Clouded Crimson Moth, White-lined Sphinx, Primrose Moth, Red-streaked Mompha Moth
11
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Specialist bees
Bees whose young are raised on the pollen of it

Texas Nocturnal Sweat Bee, Epimelissodes comptus
2
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Hosted animals
Gall makers, leaf miners and other animals living on or in it
Spotted Cucumber Beetle
1
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Plant eaters
Animals that feed on it



Beeblossom Aphid, Mourning Dove, Wild Turkey, American Goldfinch
7
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Flower visitors
Pollinators and other flower visitors



Bicolored Striped Sweat Bee, Common Eastern Bumble Bee, Pure Green Sweat Bee, Eastern Carpenter Bee
31
Range
Greener is more native, amber more introduced; paler is less certain. How this was decided
Key traits
- Layer
- Herbaceous plants
- Plant type
- Perennial Wildflower
From USDA PLANTS.