Velvetweed

Velvetweed (Oenothera curtiflora) is a tall annual or biennial with an upright, branching stem covered in soft hairs and narrow, toothed leaves. Small white-to-pink flowers appear in elongated spikes from summer into fall, followed by long, woody capsules. ## Identification and habitat Arizona Cooperative Extension describes velvetweed as a native forb with a stout taproot, velvety foliage and small flowers that may fade from white or pink toward red. It commonly grows in fields, pastures, stream sides and other disturbed places, including waste ground. The species is also known as velvet weed, smallflowered gaura, velvety gaura, willow gaura and lizard tail. Taxonomic sources list several former Gaura names as synonyms. ## Growth and flowering Plants range from about 1 to 6 feet tall. Stems are usually erect and may branch near the top; the long flower spikes can droop under their many small blooms. Flowers are reported from June through October. This species is adapted to naturalized or disturbed settings and can be useful where a tall, informal native forb is appropriate. ## Maintenance Allow space for its height and avoid placing it where small flowers or dense seed capsules will be an inconvenience. Monitor volunteer seedlings in managed beds and remove unwanted plants before they become established. [Arizona Cooperative Extension's velvetweed profile](https://yavapaiplants.extension.arizona.edu/oenothera-curtiflora) supports the identity, life cycle, size, flowering and habitat information; the [USACE National Wetland Plant List profile](https://wetland-plants.sec.usace.army.mil/plant/OECU2/) provides an additional species reference.