Hairy primrose (Primula hirsuta, Auct. Syn. Meth. Stirp. Hort. Regii Taur.: 10 (1773))

Family: Primulaceae

Author: All.

Bibliography: Auct. Syn. Meth. Stirp. Hort. Regii Taur.: 10 (1773)

Year: 1773

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Primula

Vegetable: False

Observations: C. Pyrenees, Alps

Description

The Hairy Primrose, scientifically known as Primula hirsuta, is a captivating species belonging to the Primulaceae family. This delicate yet robust plant was first documented in the renowned botanical work “Auct. Syn. Meth. Stirp. Hort. Regii Taur.” published in 1773 by the eminent botanist All.

Flourishing predominantly in the rugged terrains of the C. Pyrenees and the Alps, the Hairy Primrose is well-adapted to thrive in these mountainous regions. With its distinctive hairy foliage, this primrose stands out amongst other flora. Its leaves are covered with fine hairs, giving it a unique texture that contrasts beautifully with its vibrant blossoms.

The blooms of Primula hirsuta are typically shades of pink or purple, adding a splash of color to the alpine environment. These flowers often emerge in clusters, creating a striking visual appeal against the rocky and often snow-dappled landscapes where they grow.

Beyond its aesthetic charm, the Hairy Primrose is a testament to the resilience of alpine plants. It has adapted to survive harsh weather conditions, including cold temperatures and high winds, making it a fascinating subject for botanists and plant enthusiasts alike.

In gardens and controlled environments, Primula hirsuta can be an enchanting addition, bringing a piece of the wild, rugged mountains into cultivated spaces. Its requirement for cool, well-drained soil mimics its natural alpine conditions, and with the right care, it can flourish and become a treasured part of any plant collection.

In summary, the Hairy Primrose not only boasts a unique appearance with its hairy leaves and colorful blossoms but also tells a story of survival and beauty in some of Europe’s most challenging environments.

Common Names

Deu: drüsige primel, behaarte schlüsselblume
Swe: rosenaurikel
En: Hairy Primrose, Stinking Primerose
Fi: Nystyesikko
Fr: Primevère hérissée, Primevère hirsute
De: Behaarte Schlüsselblume, Drüsige Primel, Drüsige Schlüsselblume, Rote Felsen-Primel
It: Primula irsuta
Sv: Rosenaurikel
: Hairy primrose

Synonyms

• Auricula-ursi hirsuta ((All.) Soják)

Distribution

• Austria (native)
• France (native)
• Italy (native)
• Spain (native)
• Switzerland (native)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Jun 7, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Alain BIGOU (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 10, 2022 by Federico Maselli (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 14, 2021 by antonellalys (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 9, 2021 by Marcela Chito (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 7, 2021 by julie dzialoszynski (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Apr 17, 2022 by Camilo Rojas (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 30, 2021 by Bettina Federle (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 9, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Alain BIGOU (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 10, 2022 by Federico Maselli (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 10, 2022 by Federico Maselli (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Apr 8, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 1, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 8, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 1, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 13, 2020 by Clara Wagner (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Jun 28, 2011 by Tela Botanica − Geneviève Botti (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 4, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 4, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 4, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 7, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Alain BIGOU (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Jul 15, 2007 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Aug 15, 2013 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Jul 2, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Jean-Louis CHEYPE (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 31, 2016 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 31, 2016 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Jun 10, 2021 by Valentin Flütsch (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:702039-1)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/8297072)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Primula hirsuta All.)

Specifications

Growth