Primula means 'little first' for the fragrant, nodding yellow flowers that bloom in early spring along with daffodils. A much-loved English wildflower, it was once gathered by the armful to make wine and added to wild-gathered salads. According to early herbalists, cowslip petals in sugar made an excellent and refreshing dish. Cowslips spread where happy to form large cheerful-looking clumps. Listed in an 1827 seed catalog.