Wild Daffodil, Daffodil

Narcissus pseudonarcissus

Physical Characteristics

Narcissus pseudonarcissus is a BULB growing to 0.5 m (1ft 8in) by 0.1 m (0ft 4in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 4 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from March to April. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and can grow in heavy clay soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

Western Europe, including Britain.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; Lawn; Meadow;

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal Uses

Astringent Dysentery Emetic Epilepsy The bulbs, leaves and flowers are astringent and powerfully emetic[4]. The bulb, especially, is narcotic and depresses the nervous system[4]. It has been used in the treatment of hysterical affections and even epilepsy with some effect[4]. The bulb is harvested in the winter and dried for later use[4]. The flowers are harvested in dry weather when they are fully open and should be dried quickly[4]. They are less powerful than the bulbs but are also considered to be antispasmodic and are useful in relieving the congestive bronchial catarrh of children and also useful in cases of epidemic dysentery[4].

Known Hazards

All parts of the plant are poisonous[4, 10, 76], the toxins being found mainly in the bulb[65], but even the flowers are mildly toxic[4]. An extract of the bulb, when applied to open wounds, has caused staggering, numbness of the whole nervous system and paralysis of the heart[4].