Scientific Family
Brassicaceae
Synonyms
Matthiola bicornis
Other common names
evening scented stock
evening stock
Plant type
Forbs and Subshrubs
Origin
Introduced
Lifecycle
Biennial or annual
Height
2 feet
Riparian
Yes
The plants are dense mounds of erect, branched stems and can be almost covered in flowers. The flowers open late in the day and release a strong, wonderfully sweet and spicy fragrance into the evening air.
Flower petals to 3/4 inch long, margins undulate, claw yellow, pale grayish-blue or purple. Stems rising from base, no leaves on stem once flowers start. Flowers open in the evening, close during the day, very fragrant when open.
Habitat
This plant is found in sunny, open areas and in drainage areas along roadsides.
Plant Community
Riparian
Interior Chaparral
Disturbed Areas
Desert Scrub
Low elevation
3000
High elevation
5000
Flower Characteristics
The flowers are nocturnal, up to 1 inch wide, and have 4 long, slender petals that are paler near the base and have rippled margins. The flowers are followed by long, slender seed capsules. Plants do not flower as freely as summer temperatures rise.
Flower color
Purplish
Flower shape
Regular
Tubular
No
First bloom month
April
Last bloom month
July
Flower clusters
Elongated
Leaf and Stem Characteristics
The leaves are green, alternate, woolly-haired, linear, and variably pinnately lobed. The stems are green, covered with dense fuzz, and well-branched.
Leaf type
Simple
Leaf color
Green
Leaf shape
Narrow
Leaf margin
Lobed
Leaves clasp
No
Leaf hairs
Leaves & stems
Spines
No
Fruit and Seed Characteristics
Seed capsules are 3 to 4 inches long.
Fruit type
Capsule
Fruit color
Green to brown
Tiny round seeds are arranged in rows along each side of the capsule.