Evening primrose was brought from North America at the beginning of the 17th century and is cultivated dispersed, in temperate latitudes, in open spaces not cultivated and (previously) along the railroad embankments. During its first year, the biennial plant forms a flat rosette that lies on the ground, waiting until the second year before it blooms in the form of a cumulus with a yellow flower, at a height of = 1 m. Its primary roots, which measure approximately up to 20 cm in length, are harvested during the autumn and have been a highly prized vegetable since ancient times (Canónigo amarillo).

Native Americans used the oil obtained from the seeds to heal wounds. Currently, this fatty oil, clear, strong yellow or yellow, rich in linoleic acid and extremely rich in g-linoleic acid (8-12%), with a weak smell and a mild taste, is used to relieve eczema, acne and psoriasis. If taken orally, it provides relief of premenstrual syndrome.