What Is Cowslip?
The common name “cowslip” is used in reference to a number of herbaceous plants found primarily in the Northern Hemisphere. Many cowslips are grown as ornamental plants in gardens in many regions of the world, and some have been used historically in herbal medicine. Many nurseries carry cowslips, for people who wish to cultivate them, and they can also be observed wild in many regions, although wild populations of some species are under threat due to habitat damage and other pressures. Usually, people are referring to the wild primrose, known formally as Primula veris, when they refer to “cowslip.” These members of the primrose family are native to Scotland, producing the classic rosettes of leaves associated with primroses, along with clusters of flowers on tall stems. These flowers can occur in a range of colors, including yellow and red, and they are common in woodland and partially shaded areas. Wild primroses were once used to make cowslip wine, although this is less common today.
