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Cowslip

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Cowslip

Edible

Edible
Spring

Spring
Summer

Summer

Cowslips are now a common sight growing in large numbers in grassland.

Hedgerow Type
Common Names
Scientific Name Primula veris
Season Start May
Season End Sep

Hedgerow Image

Leaves

The leaves are Dark green, oblong and crinkly and without the flower very hard to distinguish from other primulas.

Flowers

Bright yellow, with five petals. Deeply trumpet shaped. Flowering from April to June. Unlike the Primrose, Cowslips have many flowers on one stem, the Primrose has only one flower per stem.

Habitat

Grassy areas, meadows, parks, banks, path sides and flowerbeds.

Possible Confusion

The Primrose, pictured, or other primulas until they flower.

Taste

The flowers have a slightly citrus taste and look great in salads.
The leaves are slightly bitter but covered in dressing make a good salad ingredient.

Frequency

Common.

Collecting

Never take all the flowers, leave some to do their thing.

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