Botanical Name: Primula vulgaris
Family: Primulaceae
Other Names: Butter rose, darling of April, Easter
rose, key flower. paralisos, password
Habitat: Grassy banks, hedges, open woodlands,
meadows, ditches, roadsides
Description: Herbaceous perennial. Height 5-12cm/2-4in
inches. Stems slender, soft hair Leaves: bright green, oblong, form rosettes
at base of plant up to 12cm long, 3cm wide, rounded apex, irregular margin Flowers:
pale yellow January- May
Native to: Britain, Europe
Parts Used: Herb
Actions: Anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, diuretic,
expectorant
Constituents: Saponins: primulaveroside
Phenolic glycosides
Flavonoids
Traditional uses: Jaundice, skin complaints,
ringworm, burns, scalds
Culinary Uses: Salads, fritters
Skin: Bruises
Respiratory: Lungs, bronchitis
Other Notes: 19th
April is known as primrose day because this was Disraeli’s birthday and his
favourite flower was primrose
Primrose comes from the Latin prima rosa meaning
first rose
Children who eat primroses are said to be
able to see fairies
It is said to protect against witchcraft
It is said to be unlucky to being a single
flower into a home and to do so will bring sickness to the house
If a primrose blooms in winter it is said
to be an evil portent
The path of the primrose – the road of pleasure
without virtue is said to one of the major routes to hell
It is said to have sprung from the body of
Paralisos after he died of a broken heart
In German legends it is said to have the open sesame ability to find hidden treasure.