Mistassini primrose (Primula mistassinica, Fl. Bor.-Amer. 1: 124 (1803))

Family: Primulaceae

Author: Michx.

Bibliography: Fl. Bor.-Amer. 1: 124 (1803)

Year: 1803

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Primula

Vegetable: False

Observations: Subarctic America to NC. & NE. U.S.A.

Description

The Mistassini primrose, scientifically known as Primula mistassinica, is a delicate and charming wildflower that belongs to the family Primulaceae. This perennial herbaceous plant is native to Subarctic America, extending its range into the northern and northeastern regions of the United States. The species was first described in 1803 by the botanist André Michaux in his seminal work, Flora Boreali-Americana.

Primula mistassinica thrives in cool, moist environments, often found in rocky crevices, damp meadows, and near lakes and streams. These habitats provide the necessary conditions for its growth, characterized by well-drained yet consistently moist soils. The plant’s small, quintessence flowers make it a prominent feature in the subarctic flora, where it adorns the landscape with its subtle beauty.

The Mistassini primrose features a rosette of basal leaves from which emerge slender, unassuming stems, each bearing a cluster of nodding, bell-shaped flowers. These blossoms typically exhibit a gentle pink to pale lavender hue, occasionally presenting a white center, which adds to their understated allure. The flowering season occurs in the late spring to early summer, during which the plant’s blooming brings a serene splash of color to the regions it inhabits.

Interestingly, despite its fragile appearance, Primula mistassinica is remarkably resilient. Its capacity to endure the harsh conditions of subarctic climates underscores its adaptability and hardiness. This resilience, combined with its aesthetic appeal, makes the Mistassini primrose an intriguing subject for botanists and plant enthusiasts alike.

In summary, the Mistassini primrose is a subtle yet resilient species that captures the essence of the northern landscapes it inhabits. Its quiet beauty and robust nature exemplify the delicate balance of endurance and elegance found in subarctic flora.

Common Names

Eng: bird’s-eye primrose, mistassini primrose, dwarf canadian primrose, lake mistassini primrose
Fra: primevère du lac mistassini, primevère de mistassini
En: Mistassini primrose, Lake Mistassini Primrose, Bird’s-eye primrose, Dwarf Canadian primrose
Fr: Primevère du lac Mistassini, Primevère de Mistassini
Is: Kanadalykill
Fa: پامچال میستاسینی

Synonyms

• Primula intercedens (Fernald)
• Primula mistassinica f. leucantha (Fernald)
• Primula sibirica var. mistassinica ((Michx.) Kurtz)
• Primula mistassinica var. noveboracensis (Fernald)
• Primula mistassinica f. plena (J.Cay.)
• Aleuritia mistassinica ((Michx.) Soják)
• Primula farinosa var. mistassinica ((Michx.) Pax)
• Primula farinosa subsp. mistassinica ((Michx.) Pax)
• Primula mistassinica var. typica (Fernald)
• Primula maccalliana (Wiegand)
• Primula mistassinica f. intercedens ((Fernald) J.Cay.)
• Primula mistassinica var. intercedens ((Fernald) B.Boivin)

Distribution

• Alaska (native)
• Alberta (native)
• British Columbia (native)
• Illinois (native)
• Iowa (native)
• Labrador (native)
• Maine (native)
• Manitoba (native)
• Michigan (native)
• Minnesota (native)
• New Brunswick (native)
• New Hampshire (native)
• New York (native)
• Newfoundland (native)
• Northwest Territorie (native)
• Nova Scotia (native)
• Nunavut (native)
• Ontario (native)
• Québec (native)
• Saskatchewan (native)
• Vermont (native)
• Wisconsin (native)
• Yukon (native)

Additional Images

Habit

Taken Nov 14, 2013 by EOL − Ben VanderWeide (cc-by-nc)

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

© 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)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5414329)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:210225-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Primula mistassinica Michx.)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Forb/herb

Growth