Plant ð¼
ð¼
Primula vulgaris
| Size | 8â20 cm Low-growing, about the height of a coffee mug |
|---|---|
| Lifespan | Perennial; plants can live 20+ years |
| Rarity | Common |
| M vs F | N/A â but flowers are either "pin" (long style, low anthers) or "thrum" (short style, high anthers) |
| Habitat | Ancient woodland, hedgebanks, coastal cliffs, meadow edges â indicator of undisturbed ground |
| Best time | FebruaryâMay |
| Conservation | UK: Green LC |
Did you know?
Primroses were one of the first UK wildflowers studied for evolution â Darwin used their two flower types (pin and thrum) as a key example of how flowers enforce cross-pollination
Primroses were one of the first UK wildflowers studied for evolution â Darwin used their two flower types (pin and thrum) as a key example of how flowers enforce cross-pollination
More for experts
The two flower types (heterostyly) are controlled by a 'supergene' â a cluster of genes inherited as a single unit that ensures pollen from one type can only fertilise the other
Often confused with
Cowslip (nodding flowers on a tall stem), Oxlip (similar but larger, stooping flowers â rare ancient woodland specialist)
Cowslip (nodding flowers on a tall stem), Oxlip (similar but larger, stooping flowers â rare ancient woodland specialist)