Cowslips

The Cowslip
Primula veris

From the Primrose family this bright yellow wildflower is flowering now until May

The Cowslip was once a common plant of traditional hay meadows, ancient woodlands and hedgerows. The loss of these habitats has caused a serious decline in its numbers and now fields coloured bright yellow with its nodding heads are a rare sight

However in certain places, I now see grassy banks by the side of the road carpeted with these delicate egg-yolk nodding blooms, in places that were one devoid of any flowers. Perhaps the poor sub soil after the road building has created the right habitat for the Cowslip to thrive? In my wildflower meadow at home the Cowslips are increasing in number every year which is a joy to see

Like many other Spring flowers, the Cowslip is closely associated with English folklore and tradition, and was once used to adorn garlands for May Day celebrations and was strewn on Church paths for Weddings