Daffodil Narcissus 'Bawnboy' (1)

Names

• Family

  Amaryllidaceae.

• Synonyms

  Daffodil, Jonquil, Narcissus.

• Common names

  Narcissus 'Bawnboy'

Toxicity

• To humans

  Daffodil, including Narcissus 'Bawnboy', is toxic to humans if ingested. All parts of the plant contain a toxic alkaloid called lycorine. Symptoms of daffodil poisoning often include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. In some cases, ingesting a large amount can lead to more severe symptoms like cardiac arrhythmias, convulsions, and even, though rarely, death.

• To pets

  Daffodil is also toxic to pets. It contains the alkaloid lycorine primarily residing in the bulb, but also present in the leaves and flowers. If a pet ingests any part of a daffodil, they may experience vomiting, salivation, diarrhea, convulsions, low blood pressure, tremors, and cardiac arrhythmias. In severe cases, it can lead to death, especially if a large amount of the bulb is eaten.

Characteristics

• Life cycle

  Perennials

• Foliage type

  Deciduous

• Color of leaves

  Green

• Flower color

  White

• Height

  1-2 feet (30-60 cm)

• Spread

  0.5-1 feet (15-30 cm)

• Plant type

  Bulb

• Hardiness zones

  3-9

• Native area

  Europe

General Benefits

• Ornamental Value: Narcissus 'Bawnboy'—often referred to as Daffodil—has a striking appearance with its beautiful blooms, which adds aesthetic value to gardens and landscapes.
• Spring Blooming: Daffodils are one of the first flowers to bloom in spring, often seen as a sign of the end of winter and the beginning of the growing season.
• Easy to Grow: Daffodils are low-maintenance and can thrive in a variety of soil conditions, which makes them suitable for novice gardeners.
• Naturalizing: Daffodils can spread and naturally multiply over the years, creating denser and more impressive displays each season.
• Deer and Rodent Resistant: The bulbs of daffodils are toxic to deer and rodents, which means they are less likely to be eaten by garden pests.
• Cut Flower: Daffodils are popular as cut flowers because of their long vase life and bright, cheerful blooms.
• Symbolic Meaning: The daffodil is associated with new beginnings and is often connected to spring festivals and celebrations.

Medical Properties

This plant is not used for medical purposes.

Air-purifying Qualities

This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.

Other Uses

• Narcissus 'Bawnboy', commonly known as Daffodil, petals have historically been used in dyeing fabrics to achieve varying shades of yellow and orange, depending on the mordant used.
• The bulbs of Daffodil can be processed to produce galantamine, which is used in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease (though not an unusual use, it's noteworthy).
• Daffodil sap contains sharp crystals that can be used as a natural pest deterrent, preventing rodents and deer from eating other plants when applied to them.
• The scent of Daffodils is sometimes used in perfumery, though it is challenging to extract and often replicated synthetically.
• Daffodil flowers can be pressed and used in botanical art and craft for decorative purposes, like in scrapbooking or decoupage projects.
• Hollowed Daffodil stems have been used as makeshift quills or as tiny funnels in traditional practices.
• The Daffodil flowers can serve as a nectar source for early-spring pollinators, such as bees and butterflies, in a garden ecosystem.
• During the Victorian era, Daffodil flowers were used in the language of flowers to send unspoken messages; the Daffodil signified regard and chivalry.
• Daffodils are used in certain gardening techniques called "forcing" to bloom indoors out of season, providing bright colors during the late winter months.
• In some cultures, Daffodils are planted over graves as a symbol of death and rebirth; hence they have cultural significance beyond ornamental use.

Feng Shui

The Daffodil is not used in Feng Shui practice.

Zodiac Sign Compitability

The Daffodil is not used in astrology practice.

Plant Symbolism

• Rebirth and Renewal: Owing to their early spring blossoming, daffodils symbolize the end of winter and the arrival of new beginnings, echoing the theme of rebirth and fresh starts.
• Unrequited Love: Inspired by the Greek myth of Narcissus, who fell in love with his own reflection, daffodils can represent self-love and sometimes, unrequited love.
• Hope: The bright and cheerful appearance of daffodils brings a sense of hope and optimism, often associated with the anticipation of good things to come.
• Prosperity: In some traditions, it is believed that bringing a bouquet of daffodils home can invite wealth and ensure happiness, hence they symbolize prosperity.
• Vanity: Again, stemming from the Narcissus myth, daffodils can sometimes be a symbol of vanity and excessive self-love.
• Respect: The daffodil is also a flower that denotes respect and esteem for someone, as giving daffodils can be a sign of high regard.
• Inspiration: Known for their creative-shaped blooms, daffodils can symbolize creativity and inspiration, marking an encouragement for inner reflection and self-discovery.