Primroses

If anyone is referring to Oenothera (Evening Primrose), please refer it to
as such.  Evening primrose is not related to the Primrose family.  It is
related to Epilobium (fireweed) and fuchsias.    Primrose is usually only
used in reference to Primula acaulis (vulgaris)  Sometimes Primula
polyantus, the oxlip, and the cowslip (cow-slip not cows-lip) are referred
to as primroses to the exclusion of all other primulas.


This is a very common misconception.  This illustrates the problem with
common names.  It is not just that people use a common name to refer to a
species, but a common characteristic  is used as a reference to otherwise
dissimilar plants.  An example would be honeysuckle is used to refer to
Azaleas in some areas because of their fragrance.  Common names are useful
as in the primrose case as long as the "evening" is added.

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