Poet's Narcissus

Narcissus poeticus

The Poet's Narcissus is a beautiful flower known for its lovely white petals and bright yellow center. It blooms in spring and adds a cheerful touch to gardens and meadows.

Habitat: Grasslands

Appearance

The Poet's Narcissus has striking pure white petals surrounding a small, flattened central cup. This cup is typically yellow with a distinct narrow red or orange rim, making it visually unique among many narcissi. Its delicate appearance gives it a refined and classic beauty.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassLiliopsidaOrderAsparagalesFamilyAmaryllidaceaeGenusNarcissus

Poet's Narcissus

Interesting facts

Ancient Greeks linked it to the myth of Narcissus, who fell in love with his own reflection.

Finding wild Poet's Narcissus often means the soil is healthy and undisturbed.

Its strong, sweet scent has been used in fancy perfumes for hundreds of years.

This flower is sometimes called "Pheasant's Eye" because its red-rimmed cup looks like one!

Special abilities

Poet's Narcissus produces toxic compounds like lycorine to deter hungry animals from eating its bulbs and leaves.

Poet's Narcissus has a strong, sweet fragrance that attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies from a distance.

Poet's Narcissus stores energy in its bulb, allowing it to survive harsh conditions and re-emerge year after year.

Measurements & details

Height: 30-60 cm
Flower Size: 5-8 cm
Bloom Season: Spring
Edible: No
Toxicity: Moderate
Lifecycle: Perennial
Pollination Method: Insect

Ecological connections

pollinates

European honey bee

Apis mellifera

collects nectar and pollen

pollinates

Buff-tailed bumblebee

Bombus terrestris

visits flowers for nectar

eaten by

Common Vole

Microtus arvalis

may consume bulbs

eaten by

Garden Snail

Helix aspersa

can damage leaves

Traits

Aromatic

Aromatic plants produce and emit fragrant volatile organic compounds, often for defense or to attract pollinators.

Flowering

Flowering plants are any plants that produce flowers as part of their reproductive cycle.

Ornamental

Ornamental plants are cultivated primarily for their aesthetic appeal, enhancing landscapes and gardens with their attractive foliage, flowers, or form.