Daffodil Narcissus pseudonarcissus subsp. pseudonarcissus (13)
ABOUT
N. pseudonarcissus subsp. pseudonarcissus is a bulbous perennial to 30cm, with narrowly strap-shaped leaves and flowers with bright yellow trumpets and paler yellow perianth segments
About this plant
NamesFamily
Amaryllidaceae.
Synonyms
Wild Daffodil, Lent Lily, Easter Lily.
Common names
Narcissus alpestris, Narcissus medioluteus, Narcissus moschatus, Narcissus pallidulus, Narcissus poeticus var. alpestris, Narcissus poeticus var. pallidulus, Narcissus pseudonarcissus var. pallidulus, Narcissus pseudonarcissus var. alpestris, Narcissus pseudonarcissus var. moschatus, Narcissus stellaris.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Yellow
Height
1 foot 4-16 inches (30-40 cm)
Spread
0 foot 6-8 inches (15-20 cm)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
4-8
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Narcissus pseudonarcissus, commonly known as the wild daffodil, has bright yellow flowers that add color and beauty to gardens and landscapes.
- Easy to Grow: They are hardy perennials that are easy to grow and maintain, making them suitable for both experienced and novice gardeners.
- Spring Indicator: As one of the first flowers to bloom in spring, wild daffodils signal the end of winter and the beginning of the growing season.
- Naturalizing: They can spread and naturalize in an area, creating larger displays of color year after year without much intervention.
- Symbolism: The wild daffodil is often associated with rebirth and new beginnings and is used in festivals and cultural events celebrating spring.
- Pollinator Attraction: These flowers attract bees and other pollinators, which are crucial for the pollination of plants and the health of the ecosystem.
- Cutting Flower: Wild daffodils can be cut and used in floral arrangements, adding a touch of spring to homes and public spaces.
Medical Properties- Alzheimer's disease: Compounds found in daffodil (the common name for Narcissus pseudonarcissus subsp. pseudonarcissus) have been investigated for their potential to modulate the production of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, which may be beneficial in treating Alzheimer's disease.
- Anti-inflammatory: Daffodil extracts have shown anti-inflammatory properties, which could be useful in reducing inflammation in various conditions.
- Antiviral: There is some evidence that suggests certain alkaloids present in daffodil may have antiviral effects.
- Emetic: The plant has been traditionally used as an emetic to induce vomiting, though this use is not recommended due to toxicity risks.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Narcissus pseudonarcissus, commonly known as Wild Daffodil, can serve as a pest repellent due to its toxic properties that deter animals such as deer and rodents from eating garden plants.
- The bulb of Wild Daffodil was traditionally used as a glue due to its sticky sap which was helpful in repairing pottery and holding feathers in arrows.
- Wild Daffodil has been used for its fibers in the production of a strong paper-like material in some artisan crafts.
- The sap produced by Wild Daffodil has been utilized historically for treating common warts by applying it topically.
- Different parts of the Wild Daffodil are occasionally used in floral arrangements or pressed flower crafts due to its aesthetic appeal.
- The bulbs of the plant can be crushed to make a natural dye for wool and other natural fibers, yielding a range of yellow hues.
- In early horticultural practices, the different parts of the plant were used as a soil amendment to improve the structure of the soil.
- With its bright appearance, the Wild Daffodil is often planted as a natural wayfinding marker in rural landscape design.
- The plant's juice was historically used as a natural adhesive for small-scale household fixes.
- Wild Daffodil clipping is sometimes used to create natural insect-repelling sachets for closets and drawers.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Daffodil is believed to bring good fortune in Feng Shui, especially when placed in the wealth or health area of a home or office, as it is thought to encourage the growth of one's wealth and improve overall well-being.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Daffodil is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Rebirth and New Beginnings: The daffodil, also known as Narcissus pseudonarcissus subsp. pseudonarcissus, is one of the first flowers to bloom in spring, symbolizing the end of winter and the arrival of new life and beginnings.
- Unrequited Love: In Greek mythology, Narcissus was known for his beauty and his disregard for those who loved him, leading to the association of daffodils with unreciprocated love.
- Self-Obsession: Derived from the myth of Narcissus who fell in love with his own reflection, daffodils can sometimes represent narcissism or excessive self-love.
- Prosperity: In some cultures, daffodils are considered lucky and are associated with wealth and prosperity, especially when brought into the home during the Chinese New Year.
- Respect: Giving daffodils to someone may indicate deep respect and regard for the person, acknowledging their importance in your life.
- Inspiration: The bright, blooming appearance of the daffodil has been thought to signify creativity and inspiration, inspiring new ideas and fresh perspectives.
WaterThe common daffodil should be watered deeply and thoroughly to ensure water reaches the roots, typically about once a week or more if the weather is particularly warm or dry. During the growing season, the equivalent of 1 inch of rainfall per week is adequate, which means about half a gallon per square foot over a week should suffice. After blooming, gradually reduce watering as the foliage begins to die back, and daffodils will eventually require little to no additional watering as they enter dormancy. Overwatering and poor drainage should be avoided to prevent bulb rot.
LightDaffodils thrive in an environment that provides full to partial sunlight. The ideal spot for these flowers would be in an area that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. They can tolerate light shade, especially in hot climates, but blooms may be less abundant. A northern or eastern facing garden that gets morning sunlight and afternoon shade would suit them well.
TemperatureDaffodils prefer moderate temperatures and can generally tolerate winter conditions well, as they are hardy and can survive cold, withstanding temperatures as low as 20 degrees Fahrenheit. They begin to grow when temperatures are consistently around 50 degrees Fahrenheit, and they prefer a temperature range between 50 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit during their growing season. Daffodils may not perform well in extreme heat, so temperatures regularly above 80 degrees Fahrenheit can be detrimental.
PruningDaffodils generally require very little pruning. After the flowers have faded, it's best to deadhead by removing only the spent flower heads but keeping the foliage intact; this allows the plant to continue to photosynthesize and store energy for the next season. Cut the foliage back only after it has turned yellow and died back naturally, usually about 6 weeks after blooming. Pruning during the active growing phase can harm the daffodil's ability to bloom in the following year.
CleaningAs needed
SoilWild Daffodil thrives in well-draining soil with a mix of loam, sand, and compost, ideally with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Amend soil with organic material to ensure fertility.
RepottingWild Daffodils should be repotted every 1 to 2 years to refresh the soil and divide overcrowded bulbs.
Humidity & MistingWild Daffodils prefer moderate humidity but are quite adaptable and don’t require specific humidity levels to thrive.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light and cool temperature.
Outdoor
Plant bulbs in fall, full sun to partial shade.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cycleNarcissus pseudonarcissus subsp. pseudonarcissus, commonly known as the wild daffodil, begins its life cycle as a seed which germinates in the spring, developing a small bulb that remains dormant underground during the summer. In the autumn, the plant emerges from dormancy, with roots and leaves beginning to grow due to cooler temperatures and seasonal rainfall. During the winter, the foliage continues to develop while the bulb stores energy for the upcoming bloom. In early spring, the wild daffodil flowers, displaying the characteristic trumpet-shaped blossom, after which pollination occurs, typically by insects attracted to its bright color and scent. Following pollination, the flower develops into a capsule containing seeds, which disperse when the capsule dries and splits open. After seed dispersal, the foliage dies back, and the plant returns to a dormant state, preserving energy in the bulb for the next growth cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Early autumn
The most popular method of propagating Narcissus pseudonarcissus subsp. pseudonarcissus, commonly known as the wild daffodil, is through dividing and replanting the plant's bulbs. This is typically done in the fall after the foliage has died back. Gardeners dig up the clumps of bulbs and gently separate them, taking care to keep as much of the root system intact as possible. Each bulb can then be replanted immediately at a depth of about 6 inches (approximately 15 centimeters) ensuring that they have enough time to establish themselves before the winter. This bulb division helps to rejuvenate overcrowded clumps, encourages vigorous growth, and allows the propagation of more plants to expand the garden or share with others.
