Daffodil Narcissus 'Dinnerplate' (2)

Names

• Synonyms

  Daffodil, Jonquil, Narcissus.

• Common names

  Narcissus 'Dinnerplate'

Toxicity

• To humans

  The plant commonly known as daffodil is toxic to humans if ingested. It contains alkaloids such as lycorine that can cause poisoning. Symptoms of daffodil poisoning may include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. In severe cases, ingesting parts of the daffodil, particularly the bulbs, can lead to abdominal pain, cardiac arrhythmias, and even serious complications such as convulsions or coma.

• To pets

  Daffodils are also toxic to pets. If a pet consumes any part of the daffodil, particularly the bulb, it can experience symptoms similar to those in humans, such as vomiting, salivation, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. In severe cases, daffodil ingestion can lead to cardiac arrhythmias, convulsions, and potentially fatal outcomes if not treated promptly.

Characteristics

• Life cycle

  Perennials

• Foliage type

  Deciduous

• Color of leaves

  Green

• Flower color

  White

• Height

  1-2 feet (0.3-0.6 meters)

• Spread

  0.5-1 feet (0.15-0.3 meters)

• Plant type

  Bulb

• Hardiness zones

  3-9

• Native area

  Europe

General Benefits

• Ornamental Appeal: Narcissus 'Dinnerplate' has large, showy flowers that provide striking visual interest to gardens and landscapes.
• Spring Bloom: This plant typically flowers in the spring, bringing some of the first vibrant colors after the winter months.
• Easy to Grow: They are considered low maintenance and can thrive with basic gardening care.
• Drought Tolerant: Once established, they are relatively drought tolerant and can survive in drier conditions.
• Perennial Growth: As perennials, they return year after year, making them a lasting addition to the garden.
• Resistance to Pests: They are generally resistant to many pests, meaning less need for chemical treatments.
• Naturalizing: They can multiply and spread over time, filling out garden spaces naturally.
• Variety of Uses: Suitable for planting in beds, borders, containers, and for cut flowers.
• Cold Hardy: They can endure and even thrive in cooler climates, making them suitable for a range of geographical locations.

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 'Dinnerplate' can be used in perfumery for its sweet fragrance, which can give a unique floral note to perfumes and scented products.
• The bulbs of narcissus can be used as a pest repellent, as they contain compounds that can deter moles and voles when planted in strategic locations around the garden.
• Narcissus flowers can be used in the art of flower arranging for competitions, providing an eye-catching centerpiece due to their large blooms.
• The sap from narcissus stems has been used in traditional practices as an adhesive component for small-scale repairs.
• Narcissus 'Dinnerplate' plants can be grown as a natural fencing or bordering option in gardens due to their height and dense clustering.
• The blooms of narcissus can be used as natural dyes for fabrics and yarns, creating soft yellow to green hues.
• These flowers can serve as education tools in horticulture classes where students learn about bulb propagation and seasonal blooming patterns.
• Narcissus petals can be used in the creation of eco-friendly confetti for outdoor celebrations, as they are biodegradable and less harmful than synthetic alternatives.
• Dried narcissus petals can be incorporated into potpourri mixtures to add a pleasant aroma to indoor spaces.
• The vibrant yellow flowers can be used as subject matter in photography and painting, helping artists capture the essence of spring and flower anatomy.

Feng Shui

The Daffodil is not used in Feng Shui practice.

Plant Symbolism

• Rebirth: Narcissus 'Dinnerplate', commonly known as the daffodil, often symbolizes rebirth and new beginnings as it is one of the first flowers to bloom in spring.
• Unrequited love: The name of the genus, Narcissus, is linked to the Greek myth of Narcissus, a young man who fell in love with his own reflection, hence it sometimes represents unrequited love.
• Chivalry: In certain folklore and traditions, daffodils are a symbol of chivalry and regard due to their upright, strong stems and bright blooms that can push through the late winter ground.
• Eternal life: Since daffodils return year after year, they are often associated with the theme of eternal life, particularly in art and literature.
• Inspiration and creativity: Because of their bright and cheerful appearance, daffodils can also symbolize inspiration and the ability to overcome challenges, much like they push through the cold ground after winter.