Primula fragrans
(c) Steve Matson, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Steve Matson · licence
Family: Primulaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Primula fragrans is a native California herb in the Primulaceae family, recognized by large size, dense glandular hairs, and enlarged stigma diagnostic.
Fragrant primrose is a California native perennial found in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, San Gabriel Mountains, San Bernardino Mountains, San Jacinto Mountains, eastern Sierra Nevada, and desert mountains in moist sites at elevations of 2,400 to 3,600 meters. Flowering from June to July, this plant produces magenta to lavender flowers with corolla lobes 15 to 25 millimeters long. Growing with glandular-hairy stems 15 to 60 centimeters tall, it forms dense clusters. Its leaves are 20 to 40 centimeters long with oblanceolate blades that taper to the petiole and remain entire. The flower features distinctive dark maroon to black anthers and an enlarged stigma, creating a striking appearance in alpine and subalpine meadows.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 5 sympatric species; large size, dense glandular hairs, and enlarged stigma diagnostic
Habitat and range
Habitat: Moist sites
Elevation: 2400-3600 m
California counties: Mono, Inyo
Outside California: to western Utah
Bloom period
Primula fragrans blooms Jun-Jul.
How to tell it apart
vs Lantana: Primula has backward-swept petals in umbrella-shaped clusters; Lantana has flat-faced flowers in dense rounded heads.; vs Pelargonium: Primula petals reflex dramatically backward with stamens forming a cone; Pelargonium petals spread forward with separate stamens.; vs Oenothera: Primula flowers have backward-swept petals in umbel clusters; Oenothera has bowl-shaped flowers opening singly or in spikes.; vs Cistanthe: Primula has backward-swept petals and cone-shaped stamens; Cistanthe has flat, rounded petals with separate stamens.; vs Kalanchoe: Primula is an herbaceous wildflower with reflexed petals; Kalanchoe is a succulent with tubular upright flowers.
Frequently asked questions
Is Primula fragrans native to California?
Yes. Primula fragrans is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Primula fragrans bloom?
Primula fragrans blooms Jun-Jul.
Where in California does Primula fragrans grow?
Primula fragrans occurs in Mono, Inyo, at elevations of 2400-3600 m.
What plant family does Primula fragrans belong to?
Primula fragrans is in the Primulaceae family, genus Primula.
What habitat does Primula fragrans grow in?
Primula fragrans grows in Moist sites.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · Index of California Plant Names · CalPhotos
Last updated 2026-10-07
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.