Warning

Seek medical attention if any part of the bulb is eaten or if symptoms occur.

Description

Bulbous herbs 30 to 50cm tall cultivated as either garden or potted specimens. The bulbs are often mistaken for onions if stored together.

Strongly scented flowers are held at the end of the stems, either singly or in clusters, with six yellow or white petals and a tubular-like centre.

Strap-like leaves are fleshy, linear and green to 50cm long, forming a sheath at the base, erect and more or less the same height as the flowering stem.

Toxicity

  • Potentially toxic

  • Irritant to skin or eyes

Symptoms

Ingestion particularly of the bulb may cause severe vomiting and diarrhoea. Sap may cause skin and eye irritation.

Images

Daffodil flower
Photo by Lorna Ngugi
Daffodil flower
Photo by Lorna Ngugi

Details

Common name: Daffodil

Botanical nameNarcissus spp.

Other common names: Daffodil, Jonquil, Narcissus, Lent lily

Family: Amaryllidaceae

General description: Bulbous herbs 30 to 50cm tall cultivated as either garden or potted specimens. The bulbs are often mistaken for onions if stored together.

Flowers: Strongly scented flowers are held at the end of the stems, either singly or in clusters, with six yellow or white petals and a tubular-like centre.

Leaves: Strap-like leaves are fleshy, linear and green to 50cm long, forming a sheath at the base, erect and more or less the same height as the flowering stem.

Fruit/Berries: The fruit are capsules containing numerous black seeds.