oxlip

American  

[oks-lip] / ˈɒksˌlɪp /

noun

1. a Eurasian primrose, Primula elatior, having clusters of small yellow flowers on a long stem.

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oxlip British  

/ ˈɒksˌlɪp /

noun

1. Also called: paigle.  a primulaceous Eurasian woodland plant, Primula elatior, with small drooping pale yellow flowers

2. Also called: false oxlip.  a similar and related plant that is a natural hybrid between the cowslip and primrose

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Etymology

Origin of oxlip

First recorded before 1100, spelled oxsanslyppan

Example Sentences

Short-styled oxlip, by pollen of short-styled primrose: 34 flowers fertilised, produced two capsules, containing 5 and 12 seeds.

From The Different Forms of Flowers on Plants of the Same Species by Darwin, Charles

The case of the oxlip is interesting; for hardly any other instance is known of a hybrid spontaneously arising in such large numbers over so wide an extent of country.

From The Different Forms of Flowers on Plants of the Same Species by Darwin, Charles

Long-styled oxlip, by pollen of short-styled cowslip: 5 flowers fertilised, produced two capsules, containing 21 and 28 very fine seeds.

From The Different Forms of Flowers on Plants of the Same Species by Darwin, Charles

The present species resembles to a certain extent in general appearance the common oxlip, which is a hybrid between the cowslip and primrose.

From The Different Forms of Flowers on Plants of the Same Species by Darwin, Charles

The following observations prove, I think, that the latter view is correct; and they further show that the common oxlip is a hybrid between P. veris and vulgaris.

From The Different Forms of Flowers on Plants of the Same Species by Darwin, Charles