Daffodil / Spring / Summer / Toxic

Common Names

Daffodil, Easter Lily, Lenty Cups,Yellow Maidens, Peters Leek

Botanical Name

Narcissus pseudonarcissus

Scientific Classification

Kingdom – Plantae

Order – Asparagales

Family – Amaryllidaceae

Physical Characteristics for Daffodil

Leaves

Hairless flat linear and erect with a grey/green colour turned in on one side, between 12-35 cm

Flowers

Most commonly yellow flowers with 6 petals and a paler trumpet shaped tube in the centre around 3 cm wide. Single flower on a strong firm stem.

Reproductive structures

Daffodils start as a single bulb which over time produces new bulbs known as ‘Bulb Division.’

Roots

They have contractile roots, meaning they can move around the soil, often finding the most promising area in which to grow a new bulb

Habitat

Very common wild throughout the UK on grasslands, hillsides, pastures, riverbanks and woodlands (Not including all the planted varieties everywhere else)

Known Hazards

All parts are toxic. If swallowed can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, stomach pain and sickness as well as severe mouth and throat irritation

This plant wont kill you but you will certainly regret your decision to consume it!

Could be Confused with

Certain members of the Allium family (Wild Onions/Garlic), these have a much less solid, straight stem and a completely different flower

Daffodils will not have the very distinct garlicky smell that all Alliums have.

See

Three Corner Leek (Allium triquetrum) Identification – (totallywilduk.co.uk)

Few-Flowered Leek (Allium paradoxum) Identification – (totallywilduk.co.uk)

SPECIAL CAUTION SHOULD BE TAKING WITH ROOTS AS THEY CAN BE ALMOST IDENTICAL!

Edible Uses

Toxic- All parts poisonous

Notes on Herbal Uses

There are many compounds within daffodils that have antibacterial, antiviral, anti-fungal as well as being used for its anti tumour properties. Oils have been extracted since the time of the ancient Romans, Greeks and Native American and African peoples.

However its consumption is NOT suggested in any way! I would leave this one to the scientists.

Conservation Considerations

It is worth mentioning it is illegal to pick wild Daffodils within the UK, this could be punishable by up to a £5000 fine! They are vitally important to pollinators and helps our native wildlife to thrive

Extra notes from the Foragers

They were originally introduced by the Romans in England as a symbol of mourning for fallen comrades and family.

This flower has a connection to traditional Easter celebrations. The Latin name comes from the Ancient Greek myth of Narcissus who fell in love with his own reflection in a pool of water and inevitably drowned.

The dandelion’s nodding head is said to embody Narcissus leaning towards the water, it was said that the first flower grew next to the water in which he fell.

It is also where the terms Narcissist comes from, for obvious reasons.