Pheasant's Eye Narcissus poeticus var. recurvus (13)
ABOUT
The plant commonly known as Poet's daffodil is a perennial that is widely appreciated for its beautiful and distinctive flowers. Its blooms are characterized by pure white petals that surround a small, yellow cup edged with a thin red margin. This contrast of colors gives it an eye-catching and elegant appearance. The yellow center, also known as the corona, is short and frilly with a prominent ruffled look, and is often likened to a poet's quill, hence the name. The flowers are borne singly atop slender, solid green, strap-like leaves that tend to arch gracefully. The foliage is fresh and brings a lush green texture to the garden before, during, and after the blossoming period. The plant typically blooms in the spring, offering a delightful fragrance that is beloved by many and often associated with the season's sense of renewal and joy. The Poet's daffodil is a popular choice for ornamental gardens due to its aesthetically pleasing form and its ability to naturalize, creating clumps of striking floral displays year after year.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Amaryllidaceae
Synonyms
Pheasant's Eye, Poet's Narcissus, Nargis, Poet's Daffodil, Findern Flower, Pinkster Lily
Common names
Narcissus recurvus, Hermione recurvus.
ToxicityTo humans
Pheasant's Eye, commonly known as Poet's Narcissus, contains toxic alkaloids that can cause nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea if ingested. In severe cases, the ingestion of Pheasant's Eye could lead to cardiac arrhythmias, convulsions, and even paralysis. Handling the plant may also cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals.
To pets
Pheasant's Eye, or Poet's Narcissus, is toxic to pets. Ingesting any part of the plant can lead to symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, excessive salivation, convulsions, low blood pressure, tremors, and cardiac arrhythmias. In severe cases, consumption could be fatal due to respiratory failure or cardiac collapse.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
1-1.5 feet (30-45 cm)
Spread
0.5 feet (15 cm)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Narcissus poeticus var. recurvus, commonly known as Pheasant's Eye, offers springtime blooms with unique charm, infusing gardens with its distinct beauty.
- Fragrance: The plant emits a delightful fragrance, making it a pleasant addition to any garden or landscape setting.
- Attracts Pollinators: Pheasant's Eye attracts bees and butterflies, which are vital for pollinating many other garden plants.
- Easy to Grow: This variety of daffodil is generally hardy and low maintenance, making it suitable for a variety of gardeners, from beginners to experts.
- Naturalizing: Pheasant's Eye has the ability to spread and naturalize in an area over time, creating swathes of color each spring without much intervention.
- Deer and Rodent Resistance: The plant is resistant to deer and rodents, which protects it from being eaten and helps maintain its visual appeal.
- Longevity: Once planted, Pheasant's Eye daffodils can bloom annually for many years with minimal care.
- Seasonal Interest: The early spring blooms of Pheasant's Eye provide interest and color at a time when many perennials are not yet active.
- Symbolism and Tradition: The plant has strong cultural significance in many societies, symbolizing rebirth and new beginnings, often associated with the coming of spring.
- Floral Arrangements: Pheasant's Eye is popular for cut flower arrangements, adding a touch of elegance with its long stems and attractive flowers.
Medical Properties- Emetic: Historically, the plant has been used to induce vomiting.
- Narcotic: Contains alkaloids which can have sedative effects.
- Analgesic: Some compounds in the plant may have pain-relieving properties.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Perfumery: The essential oils extracted from Narcissus poeticus var. recurvus, commonly known as Pheasant's Eye, are used in the fragrance industry to create floral perfumes with a rich and intoxicating scent.
- Gardening Companions: Pheasant's Eye bulbs can be planted alongside other spring-flowering bulbs such as tulips and hyacinths to create visually appealing and diverse flowerbeds.
- Ecosystem Support: As an early-blooming flower, Pheasant's Eye provides an important source of nectar for pollinators like bees in the spring.
- Floral Displays: The blooms of Pheasant's Eye are often used in floral arrangements and bouquets due to their distinctive shape and fragrance, adding an old-world charm.
- Photography Subject: With its striking appearance, Pheasant's Eye is a popular subject for photographers, particularly those specializing in botanical and nature photography.
- Educational Tool: Botany educators use Pheasant's Eye to teach plant reproductive systems due to its clearly visible stamens and pistil.
- Literary Inspiration: Pheasant's Eye, with its ties to Greek mythology and symbolism, often inspires poets and writers in their creative works.
- Cultural Festivals: This plant is incorporated into traditional floral displays and celebrations in regions where it is native, marking the advent of spring.
- Wildlife Habitat Enrichment: The Pheasant's Eye plant contributes to the biodiversity of an area by providing habitat for various insects and small animals.
- Artistic Muse: Its unique form and historical significance make Pheasant's Eye a muse for artists, featuring in paintings, illustrations, and textile designs.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiPheasant's eye, commonly known as Poet's Narcissus, is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityPoet's Narcissus is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Self-love: Named after the mythological character Narcissus, who fell in love with his own reflection, the common name for Narcissus poeticus var. recurvus is Pheasant's Eye, often symbolizes self-love and vanity.
- Renewal: As a herald of spring, Pheasant's Eye often signifies renewal, new beginnings, and the end of winter.
- Uncertain fate: In the language of flowers, giving Pheasant's Eye could suggest the sender feels the recipient is indifferent to them, symbolizing an uncertain relationship.
- Chivalry: In some contexts, Pheasant's Eye can denote chivalry, embodying the spirit of nobility and gallantry.
- Death: Due to its toxicity and association with the myth of Narcissus, in some cultures Pheasant's Eye can also represent death or a foreboding message.
WaterPheasant's Eye should be watered moderately when the soil feels dry to the touch, typically around once a week. During active growth in the spring, it may require more frequent watering, such as twice a week, especially if the weather is particularly warm or windy. Each watering session should provide enough water to moisten the soil around the bulbs, which could be approximately 1 gallon for an outdoor bed. Reduce watering after the blooming period as the leaves start to yellow and the plant enters dormancy, and provide only enough water to prevent the soil from completely drying out.
LightPheasant's Eye thrives in bright, indirect sunlight but can tolerate partial shade. The best spot for this plant is a location where it can receive morning sunlight and afternoon shade, or dappled sunlight throughout the day. Direct, harsh afternoon sunlight should be avoided as it can be too intense and may cause the foliage to scorch.
TemperaturePheasant's Eye can survive in a wide range of temperatures but prefers moderate conditions. The ideal temperature range for this plant is between 50-65 degrees Fahrenheit. It can withstand winter cold down to about 20 degrees Fahrenheit but should be protected from prolonged freezing temperatures to prevent bulb damage.
PruningPheasant's Eye typically does not require pruning, but spent flower stems can be cut back after blooming to maintain a tidy appearance and prevent the plant from using energy to set seeds. The best time for this simple pruning is once the flowers have faded and before seed pods have fully developed.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Pheasant's Eye (Narcissus poeticus var. recurvus) thrives best in well-draining, fertile soil with good organic content. A mix containing loam, sand, and compost or well-rotted manure is ideal for this daffodil species. Aim for a soil pH between 6.0 and 7.0 to ensure optimal growth and flowering.
RepottingPheasant's Eye daffodils generally do not require frequent repotting. They should be repotted only when the bulbs become overcrowded, which is usually every 3 to 5 years. Avoid disturbing the bulbs unnecessarily to maintain their blooming cycle.
Humidity & MistingPheasant's Eye daffodils are tolerant of a range of humidity conditions and do not require specific humidity levels to thrive. As average outdoor humidity is usually sufficient, indoor growers should ensure regular ventilation and avoid overly dry air.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure bright light, cool temp, and adequate water for indoor growth.
Outdoor
Plant bulbs in fall; choose a sunny, well-drained spot.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cycleNarcissus poeticus var. recurvus, commonly known as the Pheasant's eye daffodil, typically begins its life cycle in autumn when the bulb is planted in well-drained soil. The bulb overwinters and uses stored nutrients to develop roots and prepare for spring growth. In early to mid-spring, foliage emerges, followed by a central flower stalk that bears a solitary white flower with a short corona and a red rim. After blooming, the plant enters a period of photosynthesis, where foliage collects energy which is stored in the bulb for the next season. Once the leaves yellow and die back by late spring or early summer, the plant enters dormancy. The bulb rests until autumn arrives again, and the cycle repeats with a new growth of roots and foliage, leading up to the next flowering season.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
Propogation: Narcissus poeticus var. recurvus, commonly known as the Pheasant's Eye daffodil, is typically propagated through division of its bulbs. This is most successfully done after the foliage has yellowed and died back, usually in late summer or early fall. To propagate, carefully lift the clump of bulbs from the ground using a garden fork, taking care to minimize damage. Gently pull apart the bulbs, ensuring each division has a portion of the base plate from which roots grow. Replant the bulbs immediately at a depth three times the height of the bulb, spaced about 5 to 6 inches (approximately 12.7 to 15.24 centimeters) apart to allow for adequate room for growth. This method of propagation is advantageous as it maintains the genetic characteristics of the parent plant, ensuring consistent flower form and coloration in the progeny.
