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Primula elatior - (L.)Hill.

Common Name Oxlip
Family Primulaceae
USDA hardiness 3-7
Known Hazards None known
Habitats Woods and meadows on chalky boulder clay[17, 50].
Range Europe, including Britain, from Sweden to the Alps and S. Russia.
Edibility Rating    (2 of 5)
Other Uses    (0 of 5)
Weed Potential No
Medicinal Rating    (2 of 5)
Care (info)
Fully Hardy Moist Soil Full shade Semi-shade
Primula elatior Oxlip


http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Primula_spp_Sturm62.jpg
Primula elatior Oxlip
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:XN

 

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Summary


Physical Characteristics

 icon of manicon of flower
Primula elatior is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.3 m (1ft) by 0.2 m (0ft 8in).
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 3 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from April to May, and the seeds ripen from July to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees, Lepidoptera (Moths & Butterflies). The plant is self-fertile.
Suitable for: medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and can grow in heavy clay soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very alkaline soils.
It can grow in full shade (deep woodland) or semi-shade (light woodland). It prefers moist soil.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

Habitats

Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Shady Edge; not Deep Shade;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves
Edible Uses:

Young leaves - raw or cooked in soups etc[13]. They have a mild flavour and are available in late winter[K].

References   More on Edible Uses

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.
Diuretic  Expectorant  Miscellany

The root is diuretic and expectorant[9, 13]. It is used in the treatment of coughs, flu and other febrile conditions, insomnia and migraine[9, 13]. The root can be harvested in the spring or autumn and is dried for later use[9].

References   More on Medicinal Uses

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Other Uses

Miscellany

None known

Special Uses

References   More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

Prefers a medium to heavy moisture retentive humus rich loam in a cool position with light to medium shade[200], though it succeeds in heavier shade[187]. Grows well in heavy clay soils and in chalky soils[187]. A very ornamental plant[1], there are a number of subspecies[187]. The subspecies P. elatior meyeri is a parent of the P. x pruhonicensis group of ornamental hybrids[187]. This species hybridizes readily with P. vulgaris[17].

References   Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

Temperature Converter

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The PFAF Bookshop

Plants For A Future have a number of books available in paperback and digital form. Book titles include Edible Plants, Edible Perennials, Edible Trees, and Woodland Gardening. Our new book to be released soon is Edible Shrubs.

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Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame[133]. Sow stored seed in early spring in a cold frame[1]. Germination is inhibited by temperatures above 20°c[200]. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when large enough to handle and plant out in the summer. Division in autumn. This is best done every other year[200].

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Native Plant Search

Search over 900 plants ideal for food forests and permaculture gardens. Filter to search native plants to your area. The plants selected are the plants in our book 'Plants For Your Food Forest: 500 Plants for Temperate Food Forests and Permaculture Gardens, as well as plants chosen for our forthcoming related books for Tropical/Hot Wet Climates and Mediterranean/Hot Dry Climates. Native Plant Search

Found In

Countries where the plant has been found are listed here if the information is available

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it’s worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

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12

Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

 

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Expert comment

Author

(L.)Hill.

Botanical References

17200

Links / References

For a list of references used on this page please go here

Readers comment

   Mon Apr 10 2006

Please don't encourage people to pick and eat this plant because it is very localised and is in enough danger from deer.

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Subject : Primula elatior  
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