Scarlet Beeblossom
Oenothera suffrutescens (Gaura coccinea)

Family: Evening Primrose (Onagreaceae)
AKA: Scarlet Gaura, Scarlet Evening Primrose, Linda Tarde
Photo taken on: May 14, 2009
Location: White Rock, NM
Life Zones: Plains to montane
Habitat: Dry areas, roadsides

Grows to 1½ feet tall and wide with thin branches from the base. It can form large colonies in disturbed areas and is considered a noxious weed in California. Leaves are narrow and grow close to the branches. The flowers are about ½ inch across and grow in a long cluster, often nodding at the tip. Flowers have four spoon-shaped petals which are initially white, becoming pink then red as they mature and wither. Eight long white stamens are tipped with red anthers.

Flora of North America reference.