Primula elatior - Oxlip - (Primulaceae)

Unlike the False Oxlips (see below) that we sometimes find in the UK, which are hybrids between primroses (Primula vulgaris) and cowslips (Primula veris) and occur where both species flower, Primula elatior tends to replace primroses in those locations where it occurs. In the UK its distribution it is now restricted to eastern England, but in mainland Europe the True Oxlip is more widespread.

Primula elatior

Primula elatior on a mountain slope just after the snow has melted

The Oxlip likes damp conditions including woodlands; it flowers from early spring onwards but the higher up the position, the later the flowers will bloom.

Irish Reichenbachii

The specimen above and to the left was photographed in the foothills of the Rhodopi mountains in Bulgaria in mid June. This lovely spring flower also occurs in Slovenia.

Where cowslips and primroses hybridise, the result is 'false oxlips'; an example from the Teifi Valley in West Wales is shown below.

False Oxlip