Poet’s Narcissus

(Narcissus poeticus)

Poet’s Narcissus (Narcissus poeticus)

/

return to results
Previous Plant Next Plant

/

Narcissus poeticus image
scroll forward scroll backward
scroll forward scroll backward
Estimated Native Range
Species Map Help

Summary

Narcissus poeticus, commonly known as Poet’s Narcissus, is a deciduous perennial herb native to meadows, grassy slopes, and open woodlands in Southern and Eastern Europe. It typically grows to 20 to 40 cm (7.9 to 15.7 in) tall. The plant features highly fragrant flowers that bloom in late spring, with a ring of pure white tepals surrounding a short corona that is light yellow with a distinct reddish edge. The flowers are showy and often used in cut flower arrangements. Poet’s Narcissus is particularly noted for its intoxicating scent, which can be overwhelming in enclosed spaces.

Poet’s Narcissus is valued for its striking flowers and fragrance, making it a popular choice for borders, rock gardens, and naturalized areas. It is also used in perfumery and has a long history in medicinal use, though it is toxic if ingested. The plant prefers full sun to part shade and requires medium amounts of water. It thrives in well-drained soils and is relatively low maintenance, making it suitable for many garden settings. Despite its beauty, gardeners should be cautious as all parts of the plant are poisonous, and the bulbs can be mistaken for edible ones. In some areas, it can become naturalized and spread, so care should be taken to prevent unwanted proliferation.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Herb, Bulb
  • Height: 1-1.5 feet
  • Width: 0.5-0.8 feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate
  • Flower Color: White
  • Flowering Season: Spring
  • Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
  • Water: Medium
  • Drainage: Medium, Fast

Common Uses

Bee Garden, Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Erosion Control, Fragrant, Low Maintenance, Potted Plant, Rabbit Resistant, Salt Tolerant, Showy Flowers

Natural Habitat

Meadows, grassy slopes, and open woodlands in Southern and Eastern Europe

Other Names

Common Names: Pheasant’s Eye, Pheasant’s-Eye Narcissus, Findern Flower, Poet’s Daffodil, Pinkster Lily, Pheasant’s-Eye, Pheasant’s-Eye Daffodil, Narcissus, Pinselilje, Ægte Pinselilje

Scientific Names: , Narcissus poeticus, Narcissus angustifolius, Narcissus majalis, Narcissus poeticus subsp. angustifolius, Narcissus poeticus var. majalis, Autogenes angustifolius, Autogenes poeticus, Helena croceocincta, Helena purpureorincta

GBIF Accepted Name: Narcissus poeticus L.