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Summary

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.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

Habitats

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

Edible Uses

None known

References More on Edible Uses

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.
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].

References More on Medicinal Uses

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Other Uses

Dye

A yellow to gold dye is obtained from the flowers[168].

Special Uses

Scented Plants

References More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

Prefers a deep rather stiff soil but succeeds in most soils[1]. Grows well in heavy clay soils. Succeeds in sun or shade[31]. Grows well on woodland edges[24]. The flowers have the sweet woodland perfume of the primrose[245]. This is not very discernible when only a few plants are grown, but is quite noticeable in a group of plants[245].

References Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

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The PFAF Bookshop

Plants For A Future have a number of books available in paperback and digital form. Book titles include Edible Plants, Edible Perennials, Edible Trees, and Woodland Gardening. Our new book to be released soon is Edible Shrubs.

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Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame. A short stratification will improve the germination of stored seed. Sow the seed thinly so that the seedlings can be left undisturbed in the pot for their first two years of growth. Give them an occasional liquid feed in the growing season to ensure they do not become nutrient deficient. When the plants become dormant in the summer, pot up the small bulbs placing 2 - 3 bulbs in each pot. Grow them on for another one or two years in the greenhouse before planting them out when they are dormant in late summer. Division of bulbs after the leaves die down in early summer[1]. Larger bulbs can be replanted immediately into their permanent positions, or can be stored in a cool place and then be planted out in the autumn. It is best to pot up the smaller bulbs and grow them on for a year before planting them out when dormant in the autumn.

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Native Plant Search

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Found In

Countries where the plant has been found are listed here if the information is available

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so itâ€™s worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

Related Plants

Latin Name	Common Name	Habit	Height	Hardiness	Soil	Shade	Moisture	Edible	Medicinal	Other
Anemone narcissiflora	Narcissus-Flowered Anemone, Narcissus anemone	Perennial	0.6	3-7	LMH	SN	M	1	0
Narcissus jonquilla	Jonquil	Bulb	0.3	4-8	LMH	SN	M	1	0	2
Narcissus poeticus	Poet's Narcissus	Bulb	0.3	4-8	LMH	N	M	0	1	2
Narcissus tazetta	Bunchflower Daffodil, Cream narcissus	Bulb	0.5	7-10	LMH	N	M	0	2	2

Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

Narcissus pseudonarcissus - L.