Collier's New Encyclopedia (1921)/Cowslip

COWSLIP, a well-known plant, Primula veris, of the same genus as the primrose, P. vulgaris, the oxslip, P. elatior, etc. The two last are very much akin. The first and second widely differ in appearance, but statements from time to time appear that they have been found growing from the same root, in which case they would not be two species, but varieties of one. The cowslip has ovate-crenate, toothed, and wrinkled leaves, with the flowers in an umbellate scape. The flowers are sedative and diaphoretic. They make a pleasant soporific wine,