Cowslip is a well-known spring flowering plant. Flowering occurs throughout April and May.
The crinkled green leaves are covered on both sides with a fine layer of downy hairs. They form rosettes close to the ground. A hairy, stout flower stalk rises from the center of this rosette and is topped with a cluster of 1 to 30 deep yellow, funnel-shaped flowers. The individual flowers are comprised of five joined petals, each flower bearing orange spots in the center, and are scented. The cowslip brings a welcome splash of yellow plus nectar and pollen for long-tongued bees and the odd spring butterfly.
Cowslip can be confused with oxlip (Primula elatior) but its flowers are paler, larger and more spreading.