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Chinese sacred lily

How to identify Chinese sacred lily (Narcissus tazetta)

Chinese sacred lily, also known as Cream narcissus, Paperwhite

Chinese sacred lily is a perennial, bulbous herb that reaches up to 11/2 feet (45 cm) in height. This plant is characterized by its cluster of fragrant flowers, boasting 3-20 blooms per single stem. Each individual flower showcases white spreading perianth segments and a distinct yellow corona. The flat, linear leaves provide a lush backdrop for the snowy blooms. Blooming in early to mid-spring, chinese sacred lily thrives in heat and dry conditions but fails to tolerate excessive moisture. Notably, it is equipped with an inbuilt defense mechanism of poisonous alkaloids, rendering it free from most pests and diseases.

Lifespan

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type

Plant Type: Herb

Leaf Type

Leaf Type: Deciduous

Quickly Identify Chinese sacred lily

1

Fragrant flowers with white spreading perianth segments and a yellow corona.

2

Linear, flat leaves forming a lush backdrop for snowy blooms.

3

Perianth segments tubular at the base, broad ovate, and incurving.

4

Yellow cup-shaped corona less than an inch (2.5 cm) long and wide.

5

Basal, strap-like leaves with a keeled appearance and bluish-green glaucous hue.

Chinese sacred lilyChinese sacred lilyChinese sacred lilyChinese sacred lilyChinese sacred lily

Detailed Traits of Chinese sacred lily

Leaf Features

The leaves of chinese sacred lily are basal, forming at the base of the plant, and are strap-like, resembling elongated straps. They are entire, meaning they have smooth, unbroken edges, and are erect, standing upright. The leaves are twisted and keeled, with a distinct longitudinal ridge, and have a glaucous appearance, giving them a bluish-green hue. They are typically less than an inch (2.5 cm) wide, making them quite slender.

Leaf Shape

Linear ,
Ensiform

Leaf Type

Simple

Leaf Base

Attenuate

Leaf Arrangement

Basal

Leaf Apex

Obtuse

Leaf Margin

Entire

Learn About the Leaf Glossary
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Flower Features

The flowers of chinese sacred lily are scapose, fragrant, and measure approximately 1.5 inches (3.8 cm) in diameter. They are subtended by a one-valved, membranous spathe. The perianth consists of six segments that are tubular at the base and white, broad ovate, entire, and incurving. The yellow corona is cup-shaped, conspicuous, and less than an inch (2.5 cm) long and wide. These flowers generally bloom horizontally to ascending in orientation.

Inflorescence Type

Umbel

Learn About the Flower Glossary
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Fruit Features

Fruit Type

Capsule

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Chinese sacred lily and Their Similar Plants

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Wild daffodil vs. Chinese sacred lily: 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.
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Poet's narcissus vs. Chinese sacred lily: What's The Difference?
Poet's narcissus (Narcissus poeticus) might be the fabled narcissus of ancient times—celebrated so much in literature and art. Theophrastus, a Greek philosopher, mentioned a flower in his Historia Plantarum that scholars think might be poet's narcissus. It was also the flower that, in Ancient Greek mythology, Persephone was collecting when Hades pulled her down into the underworld.
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Jonquil vs. Chinese sacred lily: 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.
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Bulbocodium daffodil vs. Chinese sacred lily: 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.
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Cyclamen-flowered daffodil vs. Chinese sacred lily: 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 Chinese sacred lily

Attributes of Chinese sacred lily
Lifespan
Perennial
Plant Type
Herb
Plant Height
30 cm to 80 cm
Spread
8 cm
Leaf Color
Green
Blue
Flower Size
2.5 cm to 8 cm
Flower Color
White
Yellow
Leaf type
Deciduous
The Toxicity of Chinese sacred lily
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Scientific Classification of Chinese sacred lily

Family
Amaryllis
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Species
Chinese sacred lily (Narcissus tazetta)
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Distribution Map of Chinese sacred lily

Chinese sacred lily is native to the Mediterranean and subtropical Asia, growing in fields, meadows, and other damp places. It has been introduced in the US, Australia, and other subtropical and temperate Asian countries.
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
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