ExplorePlants

Primrose

Primula vulgaris

Primroses are bright and cheerful flowers that bloom in early spring. They come in many colors and are often found in gardens and meadows, bringing joy to everyone who sees them.

Habitat: Meadows

Appearance

The Primrose has crinkled, paddle-shaped leaves that form a low rosette. Its pale to bright yellow flowers emerge individually on short stalks, often displaying a darker yellow eye, making them pop against the green foliage.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderEricalesFamilyPrimulaceaeGenusPrimula
Primrose
bell_shaped_flower trait badgeflowering trait badgebiennial trait badgespring_blooming trait badge
Primrose

Category

Plants

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

8

Interesting facts

Primrose flowers are edible and taste slightly sweet, making them a fun addition to salads!

Primroses can sometimes make a surprising return in places they haven't grown for years, from long-dormant seeds!

The leaves and roots of primroses were historically used to make traditional cough syrups and remedies!

Tiny ants help primroses spread their seeds, carrying them away to new spots in the forest!

Special abilities

Ability

Early Bird Bloom

Primrose can bloom very early in the year, helping it capture sunlight and pollinators before most other plants awaken.

Ability

Nectar Navigator

Primrose flowers have special patterns called nectar guides, which help guide insects directly to their sweet reward for pollination.

Ability

Pollination Puzzle

Some Primroses have different flower types on separate plants to ensure they cross-pollinate with other Primroses, not themselves.

Measurements & details

Height
10-30 cm
Spread
20-30 cm
Flower Size
2-4 cm
Bloom Season
Early spring
Edible
Yes
Toxicity
Mild
Lifecycle
Perennial
Pollination Method
Insect

Ecological connections

pollinates

Buff-tailed Bumblebee

Bombus terrestris

collects nectar and pollen

depends on

Red Wood Ant

Formica rufa

disperses seeds via elaiosome

eaten by

Garden Snail

Helix aspersa

grazes on its tender leaves

pollinates

Western Honey Bee

Apis mellifera

visits flowers for nectar

Traits

Also known as

Common PrimroseEnglish Primrose

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Primroses are safe to touch, but don't eat them without asking an adult.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to identify Primrose?

The easiest way to identify Primrose is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.

How tall is Primrose?

10-30 cm

How wide does Primrose spread?

20-30 cm

How big are the flowers on Primrose?

2-4 cm

When does Primrose bloom?

Early spring

Is Primrose edible?

Yes

Is Primrose toxic?

Mild

What is Primrose's lifecycle?

Perennial

Snap Map

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