Angel's Tears Narcissus triandrus (13)
ABOUT
Narcissus triandrus, commonly known as the Angel's Tears, is a delicate and graceful flowering plant. This plant is characterized by its unique floral structure, consisting of pendulous, bell-shaped flowers. Each of these blooms typically features a perianth, which is composed of three outer petals and three inner petals, all fusing together at the base to create a flared, trumpet-like corolla. The petals are creamy white to pale yellow, often with a slightly more vivid hue at the petal tips. The flowers of Angel's Tears dangle from slender, arching stems, giving them an appearance of nodding or weeping, which likely inspired the poetic common name. Each stem usually supports a cluster of two to three flowers arranged in an umbel-like formation. At the center of each bloom, contrasting against the soft petal colors, are the stamens with their prominent anthers, each holding pollen that is essential for pollination. Surrounding the base of the blossoms is a floral envelope known as the spathe, which is typically a thin, membranous structure that may have a greenish tinge. The leaves of the Angel's Tears are long and narrow with a slightly grayish-green or blue-green color, contributing to the overall delicate appearance of the plant. These leaves emerge from the base of the plant and are often found in a clump or rosette pattern that partially envelops the lower portion of the stem. As a whole, the Angel's Tears exudes an air of elegance and fragility, with its gently nodding flowers and soft foliage creating a tranquil and picturesque display in the landscape where it thrives.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Amaryllidaceae
Synonyms
Angel's Tears, Thalia Daffodil
Common names
Narcissus reflexus, Narcissus concolor, Narcissus pallidulus, Narcissus triandrus var. concolor, Narcissus triandrus subsp. pallidulus, Narcissus triandrus subsp. triandrus, Queltia triandrus, Ajax triandrus.
ToxicityTo humans
Narcissus triandrus, commonly known as Angel's Tears, contains alkaloids such as lycorine which can be toxic if ingested. The symptoms of toxicity in humans typically include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. In severe cases, ingestion can lead to cardiac arrhythmias, low blood pressure, tremors, convulsions, and in rare circumstances, death. Contact with the sap can also cause skin irritation or dermatitis in sensitive individuals.
To pets
Angel's Tears, or Narcissus triandrus, is toxic to pets as well. The plant contains lycorine and other compounds that can cause vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and sometimes excessive drooling. More severe symptoms might include cardiac arrhythmias, low blood pressure, tremors, seizures, and if ingested in large quantities, could potentially be fatal. The bulbs are typically the most toxic part of the plant.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Spread
6 inches (15 cm)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
4-9
Native area
Iberia
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: Narcissus triandrus, commonly known as Angel's Tears, produces flowers that attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinating insects, supporting the local ecosystem.
- Aesthetic Appeal: The unique, pendulous flowers of Angel's Tears add elegance and beauty to gardens and landscapes.
- Spring Bloom: This plant has an early spring bloom time, providing some of the first vibrant colors in the garden after winter.
- Easy to Grow: Angel's Tears is known for being low-maintenance and easy to cultivate in a variety of soil types, making it a good choice for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Naturalizing: Angel's Tears has the capacity to naturalize, or spread, over time, creating a more extensive and appealing planting without much additional effort.
- Resistant to Pests: This plant is relatively resistant to pests, reducing the need for chemical treatments and fostering a healthier garden environment.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, Angel's Tears exhibits a degree of drought tolerance, making it suitable for gardens in drier climates or environments.
- Perennial Growth: As a perennial, Angel's Tears will return year after year, providing a long-term addition to the garden.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Garden hybridization: Narcissus triandrus is often used by horticulturists to create new garden hybrids with unique floral characteristics due to its distinctive form and features.
- Eco-friendly pest control: The plant's strong scent is sometimes used in gardens to deter rodents and deer, which might otherwise feed on other flowers.
- Decoration: The elegant arching flowers of Narcissus triandrus are popular choices for cut flower arrangements and spring decor in vases.
- Photography: With its unique hanging blossoms, Narcissus triandrus is a favorite subject for photographers specializing in botanical and garden imagery.
- Educational tool: Biology teachers sometimes use Narcissus triandrus to help students learn about plant reproductive systems and pollination strategies.
- Floral contests: Its distinctive beauty makes Narcissus triandrus a competitive choice for floral shows and horticultural competitions.
- Perfumery: The essential oils of Narcissus triandrus, although not commonly used, can contribute a unique note to fragrance blends.
- Symbolism: In art and literature, Narcissus triandrus may be used to represent grace, self-love, and renewal.
- Crafts: Dried Narcissus triandrus flowers can be incorporated into crafts, such as homemade potpourri or pressed flower projects.
- Special celebrations: The blooms are sometimes included in springtime celebrations and festivity decorations, especially in European cultures where they are native.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiNarcissus is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityNarcissus is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Rebirth and New Beginnings: Narcissus triandrus, commonly known as the Angel's Tears, often blooms in early spring, symbolizing the end of winter and the arrival of a fresh start or period of growth.
- Self-Love: Named after the mythological character Narcissus, this plant is often associated with the theme of self-reflection and self-admiration, prompting a deeper look into oneself.
- Vanity and Self-Obsession: Following the same myth, it can also represent excessive self-love, cautioning against the dangers of vanity and self-obsession.
- Renewal: The Angel's Tears' lifecycle promotes the ideal of renewal and the cyclical nature of life, growth, and personal transformation.
- Inner Reflection: With its drooping flower heads resembling someone looking downward, it supports themes of introspection and the importance of looking within.
- Hope: The bright, cheerful flowers of Narcissus triandrus bring a sense of hope and joy to those who see it, often used to convey comfort and positivity.
WaterAngel's Tears, the common name for Narcissus triandrus, should be watered thoroughly to moisten the soil, allowing the top inch of soil to dry before watering again. Generally, this equates to watering once a week, but this frequency should be adjusted depending on temperature and humidity levels. It's important to avoid waterlogging, so ensure the pot has good drainage. During the growing season in spring, you might need about one gallon of water per week, depending on environmental conditions, to maintain consistent soil moisture.
LightAngel's Tears thrive in bright, indirect sunlight. They benefit most from a spot that receives morning sun and afternoon shade, which mimics their natural habitat underneath light tree canopies. Avoid placing them under harsh, direct sunlight for extended periods, as this can damage the leaves and flowers.
TemperatureAngel's Tears prefer moderate temperatures, thriving between 50 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. They can survive brief periods of colder weather, down to about 28 degrees Fahrenheit, and can handle temperatures up to around 80 degrees Fahrenheit. However, prolonged exposure to extremes outside of their preferred range can impede growth or damage the plant.
PruningPruning Angel's Tears typically involves removing spent flower stems to maintain a tidy appearance and to direct energy back into bulb health. This should be done after blooming has finished. Additionally, yellowing or dead leaves can be pruned off to keep the plant healthy. Prune only when necessary, usually annually or after the flowering season.
CleaningAs needed
SoilAngel's Tears (the common name for Narcissus triandrus) thrive in well-draining soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0. A mix of two parts loam, one part sand or grit, and one part leaf mold or compost is ideal. Such a mix mimics their natural growing conditions, providing good drainage and fertility.
RepottingAngel's Tears typically do not need to be repotted often; they can remain in the same location for several years. They should be repotted or divided when clusters become overcrowded or when flowering begins to decline, which is usually every 3 to 5 years.
Humidity & MistingAngel's Tears prefer moderate humidity levels. They will generally be content with the natural humidity found outdoors. If grown indoors, usual home humidity levels are sufficient, as they don't require the high humidity some plants do.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Angel's Tears in bright, indirect light and cool temps.
Outdoor
Plant Angel's Tears in autumn, in partial shade and cool soil.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleNarcissus triandrus, commonly known as the Angel's Tears, begins its life cycle as a bulb, which remains dormant underground during the cold winter months. In early spring, the bulb sends up green shoots and slender, strap-shaped leaves, followed by flower stalks bearing clusters of nodding, creamy-white flowers, which are characterized by their reflexed petals and a cup-shaped corona. Once pollinated, typically by bees or other insects attracted by its fragrance, the flowers will develop into dry capsules containing seeds. After flowering, the plant enters a period of senescence where the leaves yellow and die back, with all energy being redirected into the bulb for storage. The bulb enters another dormant period through the summer and autumn, conserving its resources until the following spring. This cycle repeats annually, with the plant increasing in size and possibly dividing to form new bulbs as it matures.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring
Narcissus triandrus, commonly known as the Angel's tears, is typically propagated through division, a process best carried out in late summer after the foliage has died back. Dividing the bulbs involves carefully digging them up and gently separating the smaller bulblets from the parent bulb. These bulblets, or offsets, can be replanted immediately at a depth of about 6 inches (15 cm), spaced 3 to 5 inches (7.5 to 12.5 cm) apart, in well-drained soil with good sunlight. They will typically flower after a couple of years when they've had time to establish themselves and mature.
