Primula veris - Cowslip - (Primulaceae)

The Cowslip is widespread thoughout the UK and Ireland except for the far north.

Although less common than the primroses, to which they are closely related, Cowslips are found in most parts of Northern Europe and in Central European countries, too. Slovenia is particularly rich in 'primroses' having Oxlip. Common Primrose and also Bird's-eye Primrose, too.

Cowslips are easily destroyed by over-cropping of grassland, and so steep roadside verges and the edges of woodland are places where they are most often to be seen. They can occur in vast colonies once they are settled into a suitable habitat. The Cowslip is probably one of our best-loved wildflowers and has a wonderful scent.

Primula veris

A massive display of Primula veris photographed at Kenfig National Nature Reserve in South Wales

A closeup picture of Cowslips

A lovely group of Cowslips photographed on a roadside verge

In many parts of Northern Europe you will see roadside verges swathed in bobbing cowslip heads in April, May and June. The colours can vary, as seen in the picture below, taken in Wales. The flower is greatly prized for its perfume and is used in the perfume industry. The flowers are also collected to make wine.

An orange-flowered Cowslip

Cowslips and primroses can hybridise, resulting in 'false oxlips' - Primula veris x vulgaris.

Cowslips and False Oxlips flower together

In the foreground are Cowslips, and behind them are the hybrid between Primroses and Cowslips - the False Oxlip (Primula veris x vulgaris)

There is also a true oxlip species Primula elatior, but these are not common in the UK. Primula elatior occurs in some countries in Eastern Europe and we have photographed them in Bulgaria.