- Oxlip ( Primula elatior )
- Attractive woodland perennial, locally common only in parts of E Anglia.
Rather similar to primrose but the basal rosette comprises long-stalked oval
leaves. 10 ­ 20 flowers, each 15 ­ 25mm across, borne in 1-sided,
dropping heads, appear March to May. Height up to 20cmOxlip
Primula elatior
Primulaceae (Primrose family)
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Flowers: April - May
A short hairy perennial, closely related to the more well known Primrose from
which it differs by leaves, which become suddenly broader above the middle, as
well as having deeper yellow flowers, which are arranged on an umbel (all the
flower-stalks originate from the same point), as opposed to the Primrose where
each flower has its own long stalk.
Oxlip is a plant of moist habitats, such as woods, coppices, ditches, moist
grassy meadows and stream-sides on heavy soils.
It is locally common, especially in ancient coppices in East England.
It is remarkable how great a number of hybrids the Primrose family has produced.
The many coloured Polyanthus, which is now often sold as a cheerful bedding
plant for the spring in many garden centres and supermarkets is extremely
closely related to the Oxlip and Cowslip (P.veris). The poet Thomson calls it
"Polyanthus of unnumbered dyes" in 'Seasons''.