primrose

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primrose,

common name for the genus Primula of the Primulaceae, a family of low perennial herbs with species found on all continents, most frequently in north temperate regions. Among the better-known members of the family are the primroses (genus Primula), cyclamens (genus Cyclamen), pimpernels (genus Anagallis), and loosestrifes (chiefly genus Lysimachia). Species of all these genera are cultivated as rock-garden, border, and pot plants. The primrose, a common and favored wildflower of England, has often been celebrated in poetry. A common yellow species (P. veris) is called cowslip in England. Several primroses are indigenous to North America. The American cowslip, often called shooting star, is a separate genus (Dodocatheon); it is an Eastern wildflower. The evening primroseevening primrose,
common name for the Onagraceae, a family of plants of worldwide distribution, most species of which grow as herbs in the temperate New World, and specifically for members of the genus Oenothera.
..... Click the link for more information. is not a true primrose. Tuberous-rooted cyclamens are native chiefly to the European Alps; C. indicum is a common florists' pot plant in the United States. The scarlet pimpernel, or poorman's-weatherglass (A. arvensis), is native to Eurasia but has been naturalized in North America; its flowers close on the approach of bad weather. Loosestrifes are easily cultivated flowers that thrive under moist conditions; some are creeping species, e.g., the moneywort, or creeping Jenny, of E North America. Several unrelated plants are also called loosestrifeloosestrife,
common name for the Lythraceae, a widely distributed family of plants most abundant as woody shrubs in the American tropics but including also herbaceous species (chiefly of temperate zones) and some trees.
..... Click the link for more information. . Primroses are classified in the division MagnoliophytaMagnoliophyta
, division of the plant kingdom consisting of those organisms commonly called the flowering plants, or angiosperms. The angiosperms have leaves, stems, and roots, and vascular, or conducting, tissue (xylem and phloem).
..... Click the link for more information. , class Magnoliopsida, order Primulales.

primrose

Colorful, edible flower with sweet, bland taste. Note there is another plant also called Cowslip (Marsh Marigold) which isn’t the same.

primrose

symbol of early youth. [Flower Symbolism: Flora Symbolica, 176; Kunz, 327]

See: Youth

primrose

1. any of various temperate primulaceous plants of the genus Primula, esp P. vulgaris of Europe, which has pale yellow flowers

2. short for evening primrose

3. a light to moderate yellow, sometimes with a greenish tinge

Collins Discovery Encyclopedia, 1st edition © HarperCollins Publishers 2005

References in classic literature ?

I would much sooner have your good opinion than my silver buttons, any day'; and he ran and plucked all his pretty primroses, and filled the Miller's basket.

View in context

At the sound of a cawing overhead I looked up at the huge fighting-machine that would fight no more for ever, at the tattered red shreds of flesh that dripped down upon the overturned seats on the summit of Primrose Hill.

View in context

PRIMULA DENTICULATA (Drumstick primula) IT'S a joyous sight to see wild primroses in bloom this week.

PLANT OF THE WEEK

It's a heart-lifting sight to see wild primroses in bloom this week.

PLANT of the week; IN THE GARDEN; PRIMULA DENTICULATA Drumstick primula

6 Mothering Sunday reminds me of primroses. When they were little, my daughters would present me with a little bunch picked from the garden.

Mother's Day pressie I will always pick first; My favourite..

It was said that children who eat primroses see fairies.

PRIMED FOR ThE SPRING; RIGHT AT HOME Winter has finally gone and there is no better sign than cheerful clumps of primroses, wild or in gardens, dazzling in brilliant shades

PRIMROSES and Easter are both a little late this year - is it a coincidence?

Ones for the road... and more; It is the cherished county flower of Devon but everyone feels an attachment to primulas, which have been bringing joy for centuries

As it turns out, primroses are more varied than generally believed.

Primrose power

THE breeding history of bright coloured giant flowered late winter/spring primroses and polyanthus is obscure.

Twin faces of primula; top tips WITH RICHARD EVANS OF SNOWDONIA NURSERIES

Sadly though, wild primroses are not nearly as plentiful as they once were, but if we include them in our gardens we can help to increase their numbers.

Appeal of the simple fresh-faced primrose

English primroses (Primula x polyantha) are noted for the brilliant, jewel-tone colors of their flowers, which come in almost any color including blue, yellow, deep pink, and rich lipstick red.

Colorful beds for late winter

PRIMROSE DAY - The Primrose Society places primroses at the statue of Benjamin Disraeli in Parliament Square on the anniversary of his death in 1881.

ON THIS DAY

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