Daffodil

Narcissus L.

Family: Amaryllidaceae

Spring Bulb
Do Not Eat Any Part

Pet & Human Safety

Toxic to people and pets

Hazardous parts

bulb (most poisonous), leaves, flowers, stems, roots, sap

Preparation

No part of this plant is for eating. Wear gloves when handling bulbs, stems and sap. Keep bulbs away from food: they look like onions. If someone eats any part, rinse the mouth and call your poison center (1-800-222-1222 in the US) or seek medical care, especially for severe throat pain, trouble swallowing or drooling.

Hazard type

Poisoning if any part is swallowed: nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and diarrhea; NC State rates the severity medium and says large amounts can cause tremors and convulsions and may be fatal. Lycorine and other alkaloids and calcium oxalate crystals are the toxic principles named. The bulb can cause severe mouth and stomach irritation., Skin: handling can cause contact dermatitis; NC State's wording is 'skin irritation severe'. Oxalates are the most common cause of contact dermatitis in florists (National Capital Poison Center).

Hazard route

ingestion and skin

How complete this information is

The safety information on this page is partial. Where a source covers a point, it is shown; where none does, the page says so.

Toxic to pets

ASPCA gives lycorine and other alkaloids as the toxic principles and says the bulbs are the most poisonous part. Signs include vomiting, drooling and diarrhea; a large amount can bring seizures, low blood pressure, tremors and irregular heartbeat. NC State agrees the bulb is the most poisonous part and also lists calcium oxalate crystals; it lists flowers, leaves, roots and stems as poisonous too. Keep pets away from planted beds, cut flowers and stored bulbs, and call your veterinarian or a pet poison line if a pet eats any part.

PlotAndPetal cannot tell you whether a plant you found can be eaten. Only someone who can see the plant can identify it.

Look-alike warning

Could be mistaken for Onion. To tell them apart: Daffodil bulbs look like onions. They lack the onion smell and do not make your eyes water, which helps tell them apart.. Bulbs have been mistaken for onions and daffodils have been sold as vegetables by mistake, so store bulbs well away from food.

Poison control

If someone has collapsed, cannot be woken, is having a seizure or has trouble breathing, call 911 now. For any other possible poisoning, call Poison Help: 1-800-222-1222.

Emergency number source: U.S. federal law (47 U.S.C. § 251(e)(3)), read 2026-10-07.

Naturalist Lore

Historical Background & Breeding Lore

The history of this plant and its name, and how it was bred, where we have them.

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Care

Hardiness zones: USDA zones 4a-8b (NC State Extension).
Light: full sun to part shade
Water needs: moderate
Mature size: 8-30 inches tall and 6-12 inches wide (NC State Extension). Nebraska flower heights by type: miniature 4-6 inches, trumpet 18-20 inches, large cupped 10-20 inches (UNL G1742). Spacing: NC State: plant about 8 inches deep and 2-3 inches apart, in groups of at least six. Nebraska (UNL G1742): depth 5 inches for miniature, 8 inches for trumpet and large cupped; spacing 4 inches (miniature, trumpet) and 6 inches (large cupped).
Where it comes from: North Africa, Europe, Afghanistan, China and Japan (NC State Extension).

Soil & Drainage

Pruning & Flush Rhythm

Feeding Schedule

How to prepare the soil, when and what to feed, and how and when to prune where that applies.

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