The Alpine primrose, part of a floral series, is depicted in the coin symbolising a duty to the environment and the part Austria is playing in the development of a Community environmental policy. 

The Primrose is a small plant, typically no more than 10 cm high.

It produces flowers which generally vary in colour from pale cream to deep yellow. Primula has about 500 species in traditional treatments, and more if certain related genera are included within its circumscription.