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Cowslip Facts

Cowslip Facts
Cowslip is a type of herbaceous plant that belongs to the family Primulaceae. This plant is native to Europe and Asia. It can be found on the meadows, pastures, grasslands, on the edges of forests and near the roads. Cowslip grows in temperate climate, on well-drained, neutral or slightly alkaline soils, in areas that provide enough sun. Number of wild cowslips is decreasing due to habitat destruction (meadows are often transformed into agricultural fields) and pollution of the ground. People cultivate cowslips in decorative purposes and use it as folk remedy.
Interesting Cowslip Facts:
Cowslip is a type of evergreen or semi-evergreen plant that can reach 10 inches in height.
Cowslip has ovate green leaves with rounded tips and unevenly serrated edges. Leaves are covered with hairs on both sides and arranged in the rosette at the bottom of the plant.
Cowslip produces cluster of 1 to 30 yellow, funnel-shaped, hanging flowers on top of a flower stalk. Orange or red flowers appear occasionally.
Cowslips blooms from April to June. It produces bisexual flowers (they contain both types of reproductive organs). Flowers are rich source of nectar which attracts bees, butterflies and moths, main pollinators of this plant.
Fruit of cowslip is ellipsoid capsule filled with brown, warty seed.
Cowslip propagates via seed that requires period of dormancy (during the autumn and winter) before it starts to germinate.
Flowers of cowslip are edible. Petals can be used for the preparation of various desserts and jams. Fresh leaves can be consumed in the form of salad or as a stuffing for meat.
Flowers of cowslip were used to improve function of nervous system, while root was used as remedy for hysteria in the past. Ancient Greeks used cowslip in treatment of paralysis.
Root of cowslip is used in treatment of rheumatism and as diuretic. Leaves can accelerate healing of wounds. Tea made of flowers can alleviate anxiety, headache, insomnia, cough and bronchitis. Ointment made of flowers can eliminate freckles, spots and wrinkles on the skin.
Flowers of cowslip are used in the manufacture of wine and to improve flavor of vinegar.
According to some stories, forest fairies use cowslips as a hiding place. That is why these plants are also known as Fairy Cups.
Cowslip is also known as Herb Peter or Keys of Heaven. According to the legend, cowslips appeared from the ground on which St. Peter dropped keys of heaven.
Allegedly, woman can attract man of her dreams if she washes her face with milk infused with flowers of cowslips.
Cowslips are often mentioned in the plays of William Shakespeare. They are also often mentioned in the English literature written during the 19th century.
Cowslip is perennial plant, which means that it lives more than 2 years in the wild.


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