How to identify Poet's narcissus (Narcissus poeticus)

How to identify Poet's narcissus (Narcissus poeticus)

Poet's narcissus, also known as Pheasant's eye, Findern flower

Poet's narcissus is a perennial herb with a bulbous base, gracing gardens in mid spring with its fragrant, singular flower per stem. The flower boasts pure white perianth segments surrounding a distinct, flattened corona that is green or yellow with a striking red rim. This herb typically reaches up to 1'5" (45 cm) in height and prefers to be planted 4-5" (10-12.5 cm) beneath soil level. The foliage, which retreats naturally once browned, should be trimmed back, allowing the plant to thrive, especially when nutritious bone meal or superphosphate is added during planting. Renowned for its resistance to pests and diseases, poet's narcissus owes this robustness to its content of toxic alkaloids. Its resilience also extends to heat and drought conditions.

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type: Herb

Leaf Type: Deciduous

Quickly Identify Poet's narcissus

Bulbous base is a distinctive feature for identification.

Flower with green or yellow corona and red rim stands out.

Perianth segments are pure white, surrounding the corona.

Basal leaves are strap-like, smooth, and blue-green.

Leaves display a glaucous texture with no prominent veins.

Detailed Traits of Poet's narcissus

Leaf Features

The leaves of poet's narcissus are basal, meaning they grow from the base of the plant. They are long and strap-like, with a smooth, entire edge. Typically, they stand erect and measure less than 1 inch (2.5 cm) in width. These leaves display a distinctive green to blue-green color and have a glaucous, or waxy, texture. The surface appears smooth without any prominent vein pattern, adding to their sleek appearance.

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Flower Features

Poet's narcissus flowers are scapose, ascending or horizontal, and fragrant. They measure 2-3 inches (5-7.5 cm) in diameter and are subtended by a one-valved membranous spathe. The perianth is tubular at the base with 6 white, elliptic, entire, and cuneate segments. The corona is yellow, forming a conspicuous flattened discoid cup that is red-rimmed and frilled. These key features make the flowers of poet's narcissus easily identifiable.

Learn About the Flower Glossary

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Poet's narcissus and Their Similar Plants

Wild daffodil vs. Poet's narcissus: What's The Difference?

Wild daffodil (Narcissus pseudonarcissus) is a perennial flower that grows from bulbs. It is a common ornamental plant, famous for its pale-yellow flowers with a bright-yellow central trumpet. In the wild, Narcissus pseudonarcissus can be found in forests, grasslands, and rocky terrains. Its bulbs and leaves are poisonous when ingested.

Chinese sacred lily vs. Poet's narcissus: What's The Difference?

Chinese sacred lily (Narcissus tazetta) is an ornamental perennial plant. The chinese sacred lily notably grows from a bulb and is native to the Mediterranean region and grown throughout the world. It is a commercial source of essential oil in France.

Jonquil vs. Poet's narcissus: What's The Difference?

Jonquil (Narcissus jonquilla) is a bright flowering plant in the daffodil family that blooms in spring. It is native to the Iberian Peninsula and has been cultivated around Europe and North America. Jonquil produces a strongly scented oil that has been used for centuries in perfumes.

Bulbocodium daffodil vs. Poet's narcissus: What's The Difference?

Bulbocodium daffodil is a dwarf daffodil that is popular because of its delicate appearance and sweet scent. Its name, "Angel's tears," comes from the way its flowers droop downwards and its petals bend back towards the stem. The plant has received an Award of Garden Merit.

Cyclamen-flowered daffodil vs. Poet's narcissus: What's The Difference?

Cyclamen-flowered daffodil is a delicate beauty with pale, pink-tinged white petals and a trumpet-like center. It blooms in early spring and prefers damp habitats such as streams or meadows.

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Key Facts About Poet's narcissus

Attributes of Poet's narcissus

Lifespan

Perennial

Leaf Color

Green

Blue

Flower Size

5 cm to 8 cm

Flower Color

White

Yellow

Red

Fruit Color

Green

Leaf type

Deciduous

The Toxicity of Poet's narcissus

Highly Toxic to Humans

Toxic to Dogs

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Scientific Classification of Poet's narcissus

Phylum

Class

Order

Family

Genus

Species

Poet's narcissus (Narcissus poeticus)

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Distribution Map of Poet's narcissus

Poet's narcissus is native to central and southern Europe. It is widely naturalized on the East and West Coasts of North America and has also spread to the United Kingdom and northern Europe. It’s natural habitat is lowland areas, particularly grasslands like fields and pastures.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Potentially invasive

Exotic

No species reported

Learn More About the Poet's narcissus

A Comprehensive Guide to Poet's narcissus How to Grow and Care for Poet's narcissus