Narcissus poeticus
L.
Poet's narcissus
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Summary
Source: WikipediaNarcissus poeticus, the poet's daffodil, poet's narcissus, nargis, pheasant's eye, findern flower or pinkster lily, was one of the first daffodils to be cultivated, and is frequently identified as the narcissus of ancient times (although Narcissus tazetta and Narcissus jonquilla have also been considered as possibilities). It is also often associated with the Greek legend of Narcissus. It is the type species of the genus Narcissus.
Description
A bulb growing 30cm tall by 10cm wide, hardy to UK zone 4 and not frost tender. Flowers from April to June. The plant is hermaphroditic and bee-pollinated. It adapts to light sandy, medium loamy, or heavy clay soils with mildly acid to mildly alkaline pH. Requires full sun and prefers moist soil.
Edible Uses
None known.
Traditional Uses
The flowers are sucked as a snack.
This uses section is brief — help expand it
Medicinal Uses
The bulb is powerfully emetic and irritant. A homeopathic remedy is also made from the bulb.
Known Hazards
While all narcissi are poisonous when eaten, poet's daffodil is more dangerous than others, acting as a strong emetic and irritant. The scent can be powerful enough to cause headache and vomiting if a large quantity is kept in a closed room.
Distribution
It is a temperate plant.
Where It Grows
Andorra, Europe, France, Italy, Mediterranean, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain,
Cultivation
Prefers a deep rather stiff soil but succeeds in most soils and situations. Grows well in heavy clay soils. Easily grown in a moist soil, doing well in grass but it is slow to establish. The dormant bulbs are fairly hardy and will withstand soil temperatures down to at least -5°c. A very ornamental plant, but it is sometimes shy to flower. The flowers are powerfully scented.
Propagation
Seed is best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame. A brief stratification improves germination of stored seed. Sow thinly so seedlings can remain undisturbed for their first two years, giving an occasional liquid feed in the growing season to prevent nutrient deficiency. When plants go dormant in summer, pot up the small bulbs 2–3 per pot and grow on in the greenhouse for one to two more years before planting out when dormant in late summer. Bulbs can also be divided after the leaves die down in early summer. Larger bulbs can be planted directly into permanent positions or stored in a cool place and planted out in autumn. Smaller bulbs are best potted on for a year before planting out when dormant in autumn.
Other Uses
An essential oil is obtained from the flowers. Every 500kg of flowers yields 1kg concrete and 300g absolute of essential oil.
Other Information
It is cultivated.
Also Known As
Beli narcis, Susarelo
References (3)
- http://www.botanic-gardens-ljubljana.com/en/plants
- Pieroni, A.,& Giusti, M. E., 2009, Alpine Ethnobotany in Italy: Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine. 5:32
- Zeven, A. C. & de West, J. M. J., 1982, Dictionary of cultivated plants and their regions of diversity. Wageningen. p 103
