Primula veris

Plant Details

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General Information

Scientific name: Primula veris
Also known as: Cowslip, Cowslip primrose

Plant Properties

Layer: Herb layer
Format: Smal
Height: 0.30 m
Width: 0.20 m
Growth Rate: Moderate
Leaf: -

Growth conditions

USDA Hardiness: 4-8
Soil Moisture:
Moist
Soil:
Sand (light) Loam (medium) Clay (heavy)
pH:
Acid Neutral Basic
Light:
Half shade, Sun

Usage properties

Edible part:
Leaves, Flowers, Tea
Edibility:
(3)
Medicinal:
(3)
Features:
Fragrant

Description

Young leaves of this plant can be eaten raw or cooked in soups and other dishes. Although they are not very tasty, they are available in late winter, which somewhat increases their value. The fresh or dried leaves are often used as a substitute for tea. The flowers can be eaten raw, cooked, or added to preserves and can serve as a garnish. They make a beautiful addition to salads. This plant species has become significantly less common over the past century due to habitat destruction, excessive foraging, and agricultural practices. In the past, the flowers were harvested in large quantities in the spring when they were more abundant. They were used to make a tasty wine with calming properties. A related species, Primula elatior, is listed by the Council of Europe as a natural food flavoring.

Harvest Data

Start Harvest: 15/04
End of Harvest: 15/05

Guilds

Guild Information

Click on a plant in the diagram for more information.

Guild Details

Guild Description
Rubus idaeus
Raspberry
Provides food for pollinators and attracts beneficial insects.
Salvia officinalis
Sage
Attracts pollinators and improves sensory variety.
Arbutus unedoxaera
Strawberry Tree
Enhances soil stability and attracts beneficial insects.
Asimina triloba
Papaw
Provides shade and leaf litter that enriches the soil.
Broussonetia kazinoki
Kozo
Increases biodiversity and provides habitat for wildlife.
Broussonetia papyrifera
Paper Mulberry
Acts as a support plant for climbing species and aids in nitrogen fixation.
Cudrania tricuspidata
Silkworm Thorn, Storehousebush
Attracts pollinators and helps with overall plant health.
Cydonia oblonga
Quince
Provides shelter and a microclimate that benefits Primula veris.
Diospyros kaki
Persimmon
Contributes to soil health and offers shade during hot periods.
Diospyros lotus
Date Plum
Enhances soil fertility and attracts beneficial insects.
Diospyros virginiana
American Persimmon
Increases biodiversity and offers habitat for various species.
Eriobotrya japonica
Loquat
Provides soil stability and enhances the microclimate.
Ficus carica
Fig
Attracts pollinators and provides a food source for wildlife.
Halesia carolina
Silver-bell tree
Improves local biodiversity and supports various pollinators.
Hovenia dulcis
Japanese Raisin Tree
Enhances soil structure and creates a favorable ecosystem.
Malus domestica
Apple
Provides pollination synergy and attracts pollinators.
Malus prunifolia
Chinese Apple, Plumleaf crab apple
Offers shelter and enhances the biodiversity of the area.
Malus sylvestris
Crab Apple, European crab apple
Supports local fauna by providing fruits and habitat.
Mespilus germanica
Medlar
Attracts pollinators and improves soil nutrition.
Morus alba
White mulberry
Increases soil fertility and attracts wildlife.
Morus nigra
Black Mulberry
Offers shade and serves as a food source for birds.
Prunus armeniaca
Apricot
Enhances pollinator diversity and provides fruits.
Prunus domestica
Plum
Contributes to biodiversity and provides fruit for wildlife.
Prunus persica
Peach
Attracts pollinators and contributes to fruit yield.
Quercus robur
English oak
Provides habitat and improves soil structure.
Prunus avium
Sweet cherry
Enhances biodiversity and supports various insects.
Sambucus nigra
European elder
Provides food for wildlife and supports biodiversity.
Staphylea trifolia
American Bladder Nut
Enhances soil health and attracts beneficial insects.
Thymus vulgaris
Common Thyme, Garden thyme, Wild Thyme
Attracts pollinators and enhances local ecosystem health.
Vaccinium corymbosum
Northern blueberry
Provides edible fruits and supports wildlife.
Viburnum opulus
Highbush cranberry
Attracts a variety of pollinators and supports biodiversity.