THE evening primrose is not a primrose but gets its name because of the colour of its flowers.

There are several species, some of which are annuals and others are biennials which means that they flower every two years.

The species grows in North America and the native people used oil extracted from the plant to treat women following childbirth but it was also applied to ease stiff joints. Extracts are now used in the treatment of PMT.

Evening primrose in Britain was originally a garden plant but it also grows well along the Lancashire coastline. It is thought that seeds may have been brought from America by accident and among the bales of raw cotton.

Whatever the origins it is becoming increasingly common in East Lancashire.