Siberian primrose (Primula nutans, Bemerk. Reise Russ. Reich 1: 200 (1775))

Family: Primulaceae

Author: Georgi

Bibliography: Bemerk. Reise Russ. Reich 1: 200 (1775)

Year: 1775

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Primula

Vegetable: False

Observations: Subarctic to Himalaya

Description

The Siberian primrose, known scientifically as Primula nutans, is a fascinating and delicate member of the Primulaceae family. This botanical species was first formally described by the distinguished botanist Georgi in 1775, in the seminal work “Bemerk. Reise Russ. Reich 1: 200.” Since then, it has captured the interest of botanists and plant enthusiasts alike with its unique characteristics and widespread distribution.

Primula nutans is predominantly found in subarctic regions, extending its reach toward the majestic ranges of the Himalayas. This hardy plant thrives in the cold, harsh climates of these areas, illustrating a remarkable adaptability to environments that are often inhospitable to other flora. The resilience of the Siberian primrose is one of its most notable features, allowing it to flourish in a variety of challenging habitats.

The plant itself is a perennial, typically emerging with a rosette of basal leaves. It is especially admired for its attractive nodding flowers, which can vary in color but often present captivating shades of pink, purple, or sometimes white. These delicate blooms, with their alluring hues, contribute significantly to the aesthetic appeal of the natural landscapes they adorn.

The Siberian primrose plays an essential role in its native ecosystems, providing early spring nectar for pollinators such as bees and butterflies, thereby supporting the local biodiversity. Cultivating this plant can be a joyful endeavor for gardeners who wish to bring a touch of the wild, subarctic beauty into their gardens. Successful growth in domestic settings requires mimicking its natural conditions: cool temperatures and moist, well-drained soils.

In summary, Primula nutans, or the Siberian primrose, is a beautiful and resilient plant that symbolizes the enchanting and rugged terrains of its native regions. Its historical documentation by Georgi has ensured its place in botanical studies, and its unique charm continues to captivate those who encounter it in both the wild and cultivated settings.

Common Names

Eng: siberian primrose, arctic primrose, sleepy primrose
Fin: ruijanesikko
Swe: ruijanesikko, strandviva
Fra: primevère penchée
En: Siberian primrose, Sleepy Primrose, Arctic primrose
Zh: 天山报春
Fi: Ruijanesikko, Nuokkuesikko
Fr: Primevère penchée
De: Nickende Primel
Is: Bjöllulykill
No: Finnmarksnøkleblom
Sv: Strandviva, Ruijanesikko

Synonyms

• Primula intermedia (Ledeb.)
• Primula integrifolia (Oeder)
• Aleuritia nutans ((Georgi) Soják)
• Aleuritia nutans subsp. finmarchica ((Jacq.) Soják)
• Primula rotundifolia (Pall.)
• Primula intrusa (Rchb.)
• Primula finno-marchica (Georgi)
• Primula sibirica var. kashmiriana (Hook.f.)
• Primula norwegica (Retz.)
• Primula sibirica var. arctica (Pax)
• Primula finmarchica (Jacq.)
• Primula sibirica var. integerrima (Hook.)
• Primula sibirica (Jacq.)
• Primula sibirica var. brevicalyx (Trautv.)
• Primula sibirica var. integrifolia (Pax)

Distribution

• Alaska (native)
• Altay (native)
• Buryatiya (native)
• China North-Central (native)
• China South-Central (native)
• Chita (native)
• East Himalaya (native)
• Finland (native)
• Inner Mongolia (native)
• Irkutsk (native)
• Kamchatka (native)
• Kazakhstan (native)
• Khabarovsk (native)
• Krasnoyarsk (native)
• Magadan (native)
• Mongolia (native)
• Nepal (native)
• North European Russi (native)
• Northwest European R (native)
• Norway (native)
• Pakistan (native)
• Qinghai (native)
• Sweden (native)
• Tuva (native)
• West Himalaya (native)
• West Siberia (native)
• Xinjiang (native)
• Yakutskiya (native)
• Yukon (native)

Additional Images

© 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.

Flower

Taken Jun 26, 2009 by Philippe de Spoelberch (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 26, 2009 by Philippe de Spoelberch (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 26, 2009 by Philippe de Spoelberch (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 26, 2009 by Philippe de Spoelberch (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:702337-1)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5414318)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Primula nutans Georgi)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Forb/herb

Growth