Evening Primrose vs. Moonflower vs. Datura: Which Seeds Do You Have?

Three Different “Moonflowers”

You harvested seeds from “Moonflowers” Evening Primrose. But common names overlap. Which species?

Each has different seed-starting needs. Tom (expert) needs to know which you have before advising.

Reply with correct ID for precise indoor-starting instructions (Western NY, hydroponics setup).

Perennials: Large Knot on Tree: Crown Gall or Callous Tissue?; Identifying Variegated Arundo Grass (Arundo donax variegata); Identifying Hooker's Evening Primrose (Oenothera elata); Liriope Propagation: Division Over Seeds; Propagating Rose of Sharon from Cuttings; Caring for Large White Calla Lilies in Containers: Pot Size, Division, and Dormancy; Showy Evening Primrose 'Siskiyou' (Oenothera speciosa 'Siskiyou'): Pink Clouds for Dry Sun; Stemless Evening Primrose (Oenothera triloba): Yellow Flowers for Dry Sites; Growing Oenothera (Evening Primrose & Sundrops): Drought-Tough Sun Lovers; Tufted Evening Primrose (Oenothera caespitosa): Night‑Blooming Beauty for Western Gardens

Garden Articles

Plants

Common Name	Scientific Name	Form	Flower	Bloom Time
Moonflower	Ipomoea alba	Vine	Large white trumpets	Night
Datura / Jimsonweed	Datura stramonium	Bushy annual	Large white trumpets	Night
Evening Primrose	Oenothera biennis	Biennial rosette → spike	Yellow, 4-petaled	Evening