Key facts
- Gaelic name: Sòbhrag
- Distribution: North coast of Scotland and Orkney
- Size: Flowers: 8mm across | Height: 4cm
- When to see: In flower in spring (May) and July – August
- Status: Nationally Scarce
- Species on the Edge areas: North Coast; Orkney
Species information
How to identify
The Scottish primrose is tiny – only a few centimetres tall – with grey-green stems and leaves. The leaves form a rosette which is usually less than 6cm across. Flowers have five pinkish-purple heart-shaped petals and a yellow centre; the petals can turn a darker bluish purple as they age. Each flower stem carries a cluster of flowers called an umbel. The flowers are like a garden primula, but much smaller – less than 1cm across.
When to see
Scottish primrose has two flowering times each year: in spring (usually May) and summer (usually July to August), though not every plant will flower in spring and summer. There is usually a break in flowering in June. However, plants are affected by conditions each year so flowering time can vary.
Distribution
Endemic – found only on Scotland’s north coast and on Orkney.
Status
It is listed on the Government’s Scottish Biodiversity List and is classified as Nationally Scarce.
Threats
Inevitably, a plant that is only found in one small region is at risk from extinction. Scottish primrose isn’t able to compete with the taller plants so, in order to flourish, Scottish primroses need very short grass created by wind exposure or by grazing animals. Grazing by sheep and rabbits is really important to allow the primroses to grow without being smothered, and some bare earth in footprints and tracks allows seeds to grow.
However, over-grazing can be as damaging as under-grazing and careful grazing management is vital to allow the primroses to flower and set seed between May and August. Putting fertiliser on fields also encourages vigorous plants which crowd out Scottish primroses.
Climate change may also have an impact – a slightly warmer climate might suit this plant, but increased winter storms could damage the coastal and clifftop places where it grows.
What Species on the Edge is doing
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Monitoring and surveying
- Awareness raising
- Habitat improvements including fencing to facilitate conservation grazing
- Working with landowners to create management plans
Gallery
