Primula veris L.
Fully hardy, very variable, rosette-forming evergreen perennial with umbels of nodding, fragrant, deep yellow flowers in late winter and spring. To 25cm. There are a number of garden forms. [RHSE, Hortus].
Horticultural & Botanical History
Ancient garden plant. Paxton’s and Johnson’s Dictionary also list the variety rubra. ‘The Cowslip or Paigle. Paralysis. The stalks grow about six inches high, the leaves are a grass green above and whitish underneath, and the flowers yellow. It grows in moist meadows and marshes, flowering in April. The flowers are accounted cordial and beneficial to the nervous system, good against the epilepsy, palsy, apoplexy & pains in the head. Some say they are anodyne & good to procure sleep for which purpose they make tea of them. The leaves are used in warming, strengthening ointments, particularly the Unguent Nervinum. Official preparations are the Simple Water, the Syrup, and the Conserve.’ [Blackwood pl.226/1737].
History at Camden Park
Listed in all published catalogues [H.197/1843].
Notes
Primula veris Mill. = Primula vulgaris Huds. which see.
Published Oct 14, 2009 - 02:36 PM | Last updated Jul 29, 2010 - 05:41 PM
Primula veris L. | Blackwell pl.226/1737 | BHL
| Family | Primulaceae |
|---|---|
| Category | |
| Region of origin | Europe to Asia |
| Synonyms |
|
| Common Name | Cowslip |
| Name in the Camden Park Record | Primula veris |
| Confidence level | high |