Auricula
A fragrant yellow primrose of Alpine and Carpathian rocks, also grown in many garden forms; of low value to honey bees.
- Nectar
- Low
- Pollen
- Low
- Flowering
- JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
- Height
- 0.05-0.25 m
- Life cycle
- Perennial
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Auricula is a low plant with fleshy, mealy leaves that grows on limestone rocks in the mountains of Central Europe. Its fragrant yellow flowers have a narrow corolla tube; because the nectar is hidden at the base of this tube, long-tongued wild bees, bumblebees and butterflies make better use of it. Its contribution for honey bees is small.
Flowering
In the wild it flowers between April and June, depending on snowmelt. Garden cultivars flower in spring, usually in April.
Honey and pollen
It does not contribute to honey production. The flowers have little pollen.
Note for the beekeeper
It does not occur naturally in Turkey; it is seen only as a garden and pot plant. The multicoloured garden hybrids are collectors' plants. For a beekeeper looking for spring forage around the apiary, native primroses such as Primula vulgaris and Primula veris, or willow and plum, are better choices.