The Bunch-Flowered Daffodil (Narcissus tazetta), also known as the Polyanthus Narcissus or Chinese Sacred Lily, is a perennial bulbous flowering plant in the family Amaryllidaceae. It is one of the most widely cultivated and recognizable species of daffodil, prized for its clusters of fragrant white and yellow flowers that bloom in late winter to early spring.
• Each flowering stem bears a distinctive umbel of 3 to 20 small, sweetly scented flowers
• The species is one of the oldest daffodils in cultivation, with a history spanning thousands of years
• Commonly forced indoors during winter holidays, especially in Chinese and Japanese traditions where it is known as "Sui-hsien" or "Suisen"
• The name "tazetta" derives from the Italian "tazza" (cup), referring to the cup-shaped corona at the center of each flower
• Native range spans the Mediterranean Basin, the Middle East, and parts of Central and South Asia
• Has been naturalized in many regions worldwide, including parts of East Asia, Australia, New Zealand, and North America
• Thrives in regions with mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers — a classic Mediterranean climate pattern
• One of the earliest Narcissus species brought into cultivation, with records of forced flowering in ancient Egypt and China
• In China, it has been cultivated for over 1,000 years, particularly as a potted New Year decoration
Bulb & Roots:
• Bulb is tunicate, ovoid to globose, 3–5 cm in diameter, with a brown outer tunic
• Produces contractile roots that pull the bulb deeper into the soil over time
Leaves:
• Basal, linear, flat to slightly keeled, 20–45 cm long and 1–2 cm wide
• Glaucous green to blue-green in color
• Erect to slightly arching, emerging from the bulb base
Flowers:
• Inflorescence is a terminal umbel bearing 3 to 20 flowers on a hollow scape
• Each flower has 6 white tepals (outer perianth segments) and a short, cup-shaped yellow corona (3–6 mm long)
• Flowers are strongly fragrant, with a sweet, heady scent
• Individual flowers are 2–3 cm in diameter
• Blooms in late winter to early spring (December to March depending on climate)
Fruit & Seeds:
• Capsule is ovoid, three-valved, containing numerous black seeds
• Seeds are small, angular, and dispersed by gravity and water
• Grasslands, meadows, and open woodland margins
• Rocky slopes and scrubland
• Riverbanks and seasonally moist areas
• Cultivated fields, gardens, and disturbed ground
Pollination:
• Flowers are pollinated by a variety of insects, including bees, butterflies, and hoverflies
• The strong fragrance serves to attract pollinators during the cooler months when fewer competing flowers are in bloom
Seasonal Cycle:
• Emerges in autumn or early winter; flowers in late winter to early spring
• Foliage dies back completely in late spring to early summer
• Enters summer dormancy as a dormant bulb underground — an adaptation to hot, dry summers
Toxic Compounds:
• Lycorine — the primary toxic alkaloid, present in all plant parts but concentrated in the bulb
• Other Amaryllidaceae alkaloids including tazettine, haemanthamine, and narciclasine
• Calcium oxalate raphides (needle-shaped crystals) in plant tissues
Symptoms of Ingestion:
• Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea
• In severe cases: tremors, convulsions, cardiac arrhythmias, and potentially death
• The bulb is the most toxic part and can be mistaken for edible onions or shallots
Dermal Irritation:
• Handling bulbs or plant sap can cause contact dermatitis ("daffodil itch") in sensitive individuals
• Symptoms include redness, itching, and blistering of the skin
• The bitter taste of the plant usually deters consumption, but accidental poisoning does occur, particularly in children and pets
• Medical attention should be sought immediately if ingestion is suspected
Light:
• Full sun to partial shade
• Requires at least 4–6 hours of direct sunlight for optimal flowering
Soil:
• Well-drained, fertile soil; tolerates a range of soil types including sandy and clay loams
• Prefers slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0–7.0)
• Does not tolerate waterlogged conditions, which can cause bulb rot
Watering:
• Water regularly during active growth (autumn through spring)
• Reduce watering after foliage yellows and dies back in late summer
• For potted indoor forcing: keep the growing medium consistently moist but not saturated
Temperature:
• Hardy in USDA zones 5–9
• Requires a period of cool temperatures (10–15°C) for root development after planting
• For indoor forcing: cool temperatures (10–13°C) for root initiation, then move to warmer conditions (15–18°C) for flowering
Planting Depth & Spacing:
• Plant bulbs 10–15 cm deep, spaced 10–15 cm apart
• Plant in autumn for spring flowering
Propagation:
• Primarily by bulb offsets (daughter bulbs) that form around the parent bulb
• Can also be grown from seed, though this method takes 3–5 years to produce flowering-size bulbs
Wusstest du schon?
The Bunch-Flowered Daffodil holds a special place in cultural traditions around the world: • In Chinese culture, it is known as "Shuixian" (水仙, "water fairy") and is one of the "Four Elegant Flowers" of Chinese New Year. Potted Narcissus tazetta is traditionally displayed during the Lunar New Year to symbolize good fortune and prosperity. • The ancient Greek myth of Narcissus — the beautiful youth who fell in love with his own reflection and was transformed into a flower — is believed by some scholars to have been inspired by Narcissus tazetta or a closely related species, rather than the common yellow daffodil (Narcissus pseudonarcissus). • The essential oil of Narcissus tazetta flowers, known as narcissus absolute, is one of the most prized and expensive raw materials in perfumery. It takes approximately 1,000 kg of flowers to produce just 1 kg of absolute. • In the Victorian "language of flowers" (floriography), the narcissus symbolized vanity, self-love, and egotism — a direct reference to the Greek myth. • Narcissus tazetta is one of the few Narcissus species that can produce viable seeds through self-pollination, a trait that has contributed to its wide naturalization across diverse regions.
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