Scientific Name
Narcissus spp.
Common Name
Narcissus, jonquil, daffodil

TOXIC ONLY IF LARGE QUANTITIES EATEN. SKIN IRRITATION SEVERE!

Characteristics

Family
Amaryllidaceae
Plant Description
Perennial, bulbous herbs; leaves narrow, flat, and strap-like; flowers single or in a cluster at the top of a naked stem, each white to yellow or red, with a tubular projection above the 6 spreading petal-like parts; fruit a capsule.
Origin
Eurasia.
Where Found
Houseplant or interiorscape; landscape in flower garden as hardy bulb; florist plant.
Mode
Ingestion and dermatitis.
Poisonous Part
Bulbs.
Symptoms
Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, salivation, trembling, convulsions; may be fatal. Contact dermatitis ("lily rash") following handling of bulbs, flowers, and stems.
Toxic Principle
Phenanthridine alkaloids such as lycorine, also calcium oxalate crystals.
Severity
TOXIC ONLY IF LARGE QUANTITIES EATEN. SKIN IRRITATION SEVERE!

"Poisonous Plants of North Carolina," Dr. Alice B. Russell, Department of Horticultural Science; Dr. James W. Hardin, Botany; Dr. Larry Grand, Plant Pathology; and Dr. Angela Fraser, Family and Consumer Sciences; North Carolina State University. All Pictures Copyright @1997Alice B. Russell, James W. Hardin, Larry Grand. Computer programming, Miguel A. Buendia; graphics, Brad Capel.

Disclaimer: The list of poisonous plants on this web site does not necessarily include every poisonous plant that is known, or that might be found in an urban landscape or home. North Carolina State University does not advise eating any of the plants included in this web site. The information concerning edibility is taken from the literature, and the degree of reliability is unknown. We discourage the use of any of these plants for self medication. In cases of accidental exposure or ingestion, contact the Poison Control Center 1-800-222-1222.

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