PRIMULA VERIS L. – Cowslip

Syn.: Primula officinalis (L.) Hill.
Family: Primulaceae Vent.

Distribution: Europe (except the northernmost and southernmost areas), Asia Minor and Caucasus.
Habitat: Grows in deciduous woods, meadows and pastures, from lowlands to foothills.
Description: Perennial herb with a short rhizome and erect stem, 4–20 cm high, the leaves are in basal rosette, ovate-oblong, petiolate, wrinkled. The flowers in a terminal umbel, with bell-shaped calyx, corolla yellow, fragrant. Flowers from April to May. The fruit is a capsule.
Endangering and Protection: Cowslip is an endangered species in some countries (CZ).
Note: The plant is used medicinally, for colds, and influenza. It is grown in gardens.


Photos 10. 4. 2004 (the Czech Republic, Pouzdřanská step).