Cowslip Primula veris

A primrose with clusters of yellow flowers at the top of stems up to 30 cm long

Now scarce in its traditional meadow habitat and more often found on roadside verges

Flowers are in larger clusters and deeper yellow than its woodland cousin, the oxlip

Used to make wine, tea, jam and ointment to treat arthritic pain

Probably derives its name from cowpat, from where it will germinate in the wild