Question: This beautiful and rare flower is native to Stockton. It was first documented by William Bartram during his travels through the area in 1775. Can you name it?
Answer: The Evening Primrose, also known as Oenothera Grandiflora. In 1775, William Bartram who was commissioned as the the King of England's Botanist to the colonies spent a week in Stockton at Major Robert Farmar's plantation on the Tensaw River. He collected and sketched specimens of native vegetation in the area. He identified this beautiful flower that grows along the river and our roadsides. This plant is very rare and was thought to be extinct for many years until botanists re-discovered it growing here in Stockton. The Evening Primrose is sought because it is an extremely primitive species, highly useful in the study of plant evolution. Oil from its seeds is also said to have health benefits. Seeds from Stockton's Primrose have been sent to the King's Botanical Garden in England, the University of Cologne, Germany, and the University of Michigan. This flower only blooms for a very short period of time, just a few hours. There are stories of Stockton's young men going door to door serenading girls and bringing them bouquets of Primroses.
Stockton is unique not only for its rich history and heritage but also for its natural resources and stunning flora and fauna. Please vote YES for Amendment 3 and help us preserve this special place!
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