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Mistassini Primrose

Primula mistassinica

Last reviewed: September 2026

Mistassini Primrose (Primula mistassinica)
Photo: (c) Dustin Snider, some rights reserved (CC BY)

Toxicity unknown

Mistassini Primrose (Primula mistassinica) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

part shade

Water

medium

Size

4"–8" H × 4"–8" W

Bloom

Apr, May, Jun

Native to

IA, IL, ME, MI and 5 more states

Pollinators

bees, beetles

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 459 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Great PlainsNorthern Lakes and ForestsNorth Central Hardwood ForestsSouthern Michigan/Northern Indiana Drift PlainsNortheastern HighlandsAcadian Plains and Hills

Mistassini primrose is a delicate native wildflower that forms small, neat clumps of rosette leaves. It produces charming pink to lavender flowers with yellow centers in spring and early summer, creating a sweet cottage garden appearance.

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In an HOA neighborhood

Mistassini Primrose takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

  • Very small and can appear insignificant
  • May be mistaken for weeds
  • Foliage dies back after blooming season

Wildlife value

This primrose supports early-season pollinators including native bees and beetles when few other flowers are available. Its spring blooms provide important nectar during the critical early pollinator season.

Common questions

How much sun does Mistassini Primrose need?
Mistassini Primrose grows best in part shade conditions.
When does Mistassini Primrose bloom?
Mistassini Primrose blooms in April, May, and June.
Where is Mistassini Primrose native?
Mistassini Primrose (Primula mistassinica) is native to IA, IL, ME, MI and 5 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
What pollinators does Mistassini Primrose attract?
Mistassini Primrose draws bees and beetles.
Is Mistassini Primrose HOA-friendly?
Mistassini Primrose takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

See all plant problem guides

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