Primula angustifolia

{{Short description|Species of flowering plant}}

{{Speciesbox

|image = Primula angustifolia New Mexico.jpg

|genus = Primula

|species = angustifolia

|authority = (Torrey 1823)

}}

Primula angustifolia, also known as alpine primrose, is a species of flowering plant in the family Primulaceae, native to the Rocky Mountains of the United States. It is commonly found in Colorado and New Mexico.

Description

Primula angustifolia is a dwarf plant, 1 to 7 cm (.39 to 2.75 in) tall. Leaves are lanceolate to oblanceolate, folded slightly inwards and 2–5 cm (.78 to 1.96 in) long. The plant grows as a single stem or in clumps. Flowers are notched, varying in color from pink to lilac to deep purple, with a yellow eye. Flowers can be up to 20 mm in diameter, and can appear too large for the diminutive plant.{{cite book |last1=Richards |first1=John |title=Primula |date=2003 |publisher=Timber Press |location=Portland, Oregon |isbn=978-0881925807}}{{cite web |last1=Torrey |first1=John |title=Primula angustifolia |url=http://encyclopaedia.alpinegardensociety.net/plants/Primula/angustifolia |website=Alpine Garden Society |access-date=26 April 2020}} Plants often range in size, flower number and flower color. White flowered plants are generally found in New Mexico.{{cite web |last1=Mammoser |first1=Don |title=Primula angustifolia |url=http://www.coloradowildbuds.com/wildflowers-by-color/red-pink/primula-species/ |website=Colorado Wildbuds |access-date=26 April 2020}} The plant blooms from June to August.{{cite web |title=Primula angustifolia |url=https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=PRAN |website=Wildflower.org |access-date=26 April 2020}}

Distribution and habitat

The plant's distribution is the Rocky Mountains of Colorado and northern New Mexico. It is typically found above the tree-line in tundra habitats and in rocky locations above 3000 m. (9842 ft).

Cultivation

Often long-lived in cultivation, the plant is free-flowering but rarely produces seed. Plants do best when grown in containers under glass, in a rich sandy mix. Plants have done well outdoors in Scotland, grown in troughs.

References