Narcissus pseudonarcissus 

'Wild Daffodil'

(Syn. Narcissus pseudonarcissus var. lobularis])

[Ex. Farndale, 120m., North Yorkshire, England]

Amaryllidaceae: bulbous perennial to 60cm. found in open woods and meadows that often flourishes after coppicing. The flowers are 5-6cm across, with 6 pale yellow outer segments and narrow, all basal. The leaves are grey-green. Locally common in some parts of England and wales, also naturalised elsewhere. Also most of Western Europe.

USES:

The bulbs, leaves and flowers are astringent and powerfully emetic. The bulb, especially, is narcotic and depresses the nervous system. It has been used in the treatment of hysterical affections and even epilepsy with some effect. The bulb is harvested in the winter and dried for later use. The flowers are harvested in dry weather when they are fully open and should be dried quickly. They are less powerful than the bulbs but are also considered to be antispasmodic and are useful in relieving the congestive bronchial catarrh of children and also useful in cases of epidemic dysentery.

A yellow to gold dye is obtained from the flowers.

GROWING INFORMATION:

Prefers a deep rather stiff soil but succeeds in most soils. Grows well in heavy clay soils. Succeeds in sun or shade. Grows well on woodland edges. A short stratification will improve the germination of stored seed. Sow the seed thinly so that the seedlings can be left undisturbed in the pot for their first two years of growth. Give them an occasional liquid feed in the growing season to ensure they do not become nutrient deficient.

Rarely offered as seed!

HARVESTED. 2020

APPROX. 50 SEEDS