Bunchflower Daffodil, Cream narcissus

Narcissus tazetta

Physical Characteristics

Narcissus tazetta 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 8 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from January to February. 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 and can grow in very alkaline soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

Europe to E. Asia.

Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal Uses

Analgesic Antiphlogistic Cancer Demulcent Emetic Poultice Demulcent[174, 178]. Used in the treatment of boils and mastitis[174]. The root is emetic[240]. It is used to relieve headaches[240]. The chopped root is applied externally as an antiphlogistic and analgesic poultice to abscesses, boils and other skin complaints[218]. The plant has a folklore of effectiveness against certain forms of cancer. This might be due to benzaldehyde changing to laetrile-like compounds or to lycorine changing to lycobetaine-like compounds in the body[218].

Known Hazards

None known