Wild Daffodil

Scientific name: Narcissus pseudonarcissus

INTRODUCTION

Native to Europe, wild daffodils feature bright yellow flowers and strap-like leaves. Often grown in clusters, these daffodils are popular garden plants, and their frilly trumpet-like cups and pale yellow petals attract bees and butterflies. Thousands of Narcissus cultivars have been developed, many of which were based on the Narcissus pseudonarcissus.

WARNING

Despite its ornamental value, the entire wild daffodil plant is poisonous to humans. The flowers, leaves, stem, and bulb all contain toxins that cause nausea and irritation, which helps keep deer and rabbits at bay. Make sure to keep your pets away as well!

USES

Scientists have found that chemical compounds, Amaryllidaceae alkaloids, derived from these Narcissus plants may be useful in treating Alzheimer’s disease. A cultivar, the Narcissus ‘Carlton’ is especially grown for its large quantity of one of such alkaloids.