Sabhaircín
Latin name: Primula vulgaris
The primrose flowers early in spring. Do you remember the daffodil and bluebell? They flower early in spring as well.
Did you know that the primrose has two types of flower? Both flowers are needed to make the seeds.
Insects help to spread the seeds. The seeds stick to their bodies. The insects then carry them away from the flower.
Primrose
Copyright Mike Brown
Primrose
Copyright Mike Brown
Copyright Mike Brown
Primrose
Copyright Mike Brown
The leaves of the primrose flower are crinkled. They are very thick.
The flower can have different colours. It can be cream, yellow, red, purple and pink.
Primroses are not as common as they used to be. People picked too many of them.
If you see primroses when you’re out, don't pick them!
Evening primrose
Copyright John Kennedy
Evening primrose
Copyright John Kennedy
Copyright John Kennedy
Evening primrose
Copyright John Kennedy
Have you ever heard that primroses protect against the fairies?
Long ago in Ireland, people were very afraid of the fairies. They used to hang primroses over the door. They believed that the primroses would protect the house. The fairies were not able to pass the primroses.