(n): any of numerous short-stemmed plants of the genus Primula having tufted basal leaves and showy flowers clustered in umbels or heads
(n): swamp plant of Europe and North America having bright yellow flowers resembling buttercups
(n): a semiaquatic plant that grows in soft wet land; most are monocots: sedge, sphagnum, grasses, cattails, etc; possibly heath
Probably a reference to what usually fertilized the flower.
You may be close, arby--I think it comes from an Old English word that combines "cow" and "slime." Yuck. Should be a better word for such a nice flower.
Does anyone know why it's called this? I always picture a cow slipping on something in the pasture. Perhaps its own cow pie?
an English primrose, Primula veris. Lovely!