Primrose, Primola, Cowslip, English primrose
Primula vulgaris

Family: Primulaceae

What it is like

A herb. It grows 10-15 cm high and spreads 15-40 cm wide. The leaves have teeth. The leaves are often downy underneath. Flowers appear singly amongst the leaves. They are pale yellow and fragrant. They are 30 mm wide.

There are about 400 Primula species.

Where it is found

It is a temperate plant. It suits hardiness zones 6-9.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Australia, Balkans, Bosnia, Britain, Europe, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Mediterranean, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Scandinavia, Serbia, Sicily, Slovenia, Spain, Switzerland, Tasmania, Turkey, Türkiye, USA

How it is used for food

The young leaves are eaten cooked and raw. The leaves are used in soups. The flowers are eaten raw in salads. They are also cooked or used in conserves. The flowers are fermented with water and sugar. The nectar of the flowers is sucked. Both leaves and flowers are made into syrup or tea. The leaves are used for sarma in Turkey. They are rolled around a filling of rice or minced meat.

The nectar of the flower is sucked especially by children.

Edible parts

Flowers, leaves, nectar

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seed. Plants can also be divided.

Its other names

Local names

Coucu, Conterba siciiana, Cuhacicegi, Fior di primavera, Kindira otu, Kusymre, Mai de me, Pampara, Panqueixo, Pan y queso, Zsibavirag

Synonyms

Primula acaulis (L.) Hill; Primula veris var. acaulis L.;