Cowslip is an attractive flowering plant found in meadows and on woodland floors.
The leaves are dark green and wrinkled, and quite wide but narrow towards the end. They grow in a basal rosette formation. Th
e flowers are bright yellow, bell-shaped flowers that have five petals. The flowers are enclosed by a long, green, tube-shaped calyx (protective flower casing) and are found in clusters on each plant, all facing to one side.
Cowslips are present across the UK. They are found meadows, grassland, woodland and verges as well as in gardens. They thrive on dry, calcareous (chalky) soils and flower between April and May.
Nature
Cowslips are important for wildlife, their flowers an early source of nectar for various insects including bees, beetles and butterflies such as the brimstone. Cowslip is also a food plant for the Duke of Burgundy butterfly, which is a species in decline.
At Lindengate we grow Cowslips from seed. They are growing in the Pearmain Orchard. We are able to sell these to local wildlife and conservation organisations.
