Cowslip primrose

Primula veris L.

Heat Tolerant

Pet & Human Safety

Hazard to people and pets

Hazardous parts

Not yet checked.

Preparation

Not applicable; this is an ornamental plant.

Hazard type

NC State tags this plant for contact dermatitis (skin irritation from touching it) but gives no poison section or further detail. This is not a statement that the plant is safe to eat.

Hazard route

none named by our sources

How complete this information is

The safety information on this page is partial. Where a source covers a point, it is shown; where none does, the page says so.

Toxic to pets

Pet verdict: ASPCA's page is for Primula vulgaris and is extended to this species within the genus. NC State page for P. veris exists with no pet tags. Verdict extended from P. vulgaris within the genus in the cautious direction only.

PlotAndPetal cannot tell you whether a plant you found can be eaten. Only someone who can see the plant can identify it.

Poison control

If someone has collapsed, cannot be woken, is having a seizure or has trouble breathing, call 911 now. For any other possible poisoning, call Poison Help: 1-800-222-1222.

Emergency number source: U.S. federal law (47 U.S.C. § 251(e)(3)), read 2026-10-07.

Naturalist Lore

Historical Background & Breeding Lore

The history of this plant and its name, and how it was bred, where we have them.

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Care

Hardiness zones: USDA zones 5a-8b (NC State Extension).
Light: Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
Water needs: moderate
Mature size: The NC State page gives no height or width.

Soil & Drainage

Pruning & Flush Rhythm

Feeding Schedule

How to prepare the soil, when and what to feed, and how and when to prune where that applies.

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Anatomy & Guilds

Botanical Anatomy & Characteristics

How the flowers and leaves are built and which pollinators visit, where we have them.

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Field Doctor

What can go wrong with this plant and what to do about it, where we have them.

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Vintage Plates

Old botanical drawings from public libraries are in the app, for plants where we have them.

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Sources

How we choose sources

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