1000/421: 16 April 2011: Cowslips

1000/421 a photo by nmonckton on Flickr.

Another of my favourite wild flowers, this clump was growing on a dyke in the field next door. The low sun catching the yellow tips has made them seem especially bright.

Apparently it is named after the old English word for cowpat and was traditionally used for decorating Maypoles (global warming anyone?) and as well as lots of herbal uses you can use the flowers to make cowslip wine - now there's a thought.