Mountain Cowslip
(Primula auricula)
Mountain Cowslip (Primula auricula)
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Daniel Cahen
CC BY 4.0
Image By:
Daniel Cahen
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Daniel Cahen | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Rights Holder: Daniel Cahen | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2018-06-14T11:45:15-07:00 |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Primula auricula, commonly known as Mountain Cowslip, is an evergreen perennial herb native to alpine and subalpine meadows in Central and Southern Europe. It typically grows to 20 cm (8 in) tall by 25 cm (10 in) wide. The leaves are obovate and stalkless, with a cartilaginous edge, forming a basal rosette, and are sometimes covered in a mealy white bloom that helps protect them from cold. The yellow flowers, which are often fragrant, grow in clusters on 5–20 cm (2–8 in) long stalks and bloom in spring. The specific epithet ’auricula’ refers to the ear-shaped leaves. This plant has gained the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit for its ornamental qualities.
Mountain Cowslip is valued for its unique foliage and bright, cheerful flowers. It is often used in rock gardens, alpine houses, and as part of border plantings. It thrives in cool, moist conditions, mimicking its native mountainous habitats. While it prefers full sun, it can tolerate partial shade, especially in warmer climates. Good drainage is essential to prevent root rot. Mountain Cowslip can be susceptible to slugs and snails, which may damage the leaves and flowers. It is also prone to powdery mildew in humid conditions. Propagation is typically done through division or from seed.CC BY-SA 4.0
Mountain Cowslip is valued for its unique foliage and bright, cheerful flowers. It is often used in rock gardens, alpine houses, and as part of border plantings. It thrives in cool, moist conditions, mimicking its native mountainous habitats. While it prefers full sun, it can tolerate partial shade, especially in warmer climates. Good drainage is essential to prevent root rot. Mountain Cowslip can be susceptible to slugs and snails, which may damage the leaves and flowers. It is also prone to powdery mildew in humid conditions. Propagation is typically done through division or from seed.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Herb
- Height: 0.3-0.7 feet
- Width: 0.3-0.7 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: Yellow, Orange
- Flowering Season: Spring
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water: Medium, High
- Drainage: Fast
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Fragrant, Groundcover, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Potted Plant, Rabbit Resistant, Rock Garden
Natural Habitat
Alpine and subalpine meadows in Central and Southern Europe
Other Names
Common Names: Auricula, Bear’s Ear, Aurikel, Alpen-Aurikel, Aurikel, Öhrchen-Schlüsselblume
Scientific Names: , Primula auricula, Primula auricula var. serratifolia, Auricula ursi-auricula, Auriculaursii auricula, Auriculaursii auricula subsp. hungarica, Primula auricula subsp. widmerii, Primula auricula var. hungarica, Primula auriculata var. hungarica, Primula auriculata var. monacensis
GBIF Accepted Name: Primula auricula L.