Narcissus is associated with the time around Easter, when we see them displayed and sold in small pots. Let us not be deceived by their seductive smell and beautiful yellow color. Narcissi are poisonous plants.

Narcissus( Narcissus ) is a group of bulbous plants grown in many countries around the world. It is one of the most popular ornamental plants, with about 10,000 varieties. Also in our latitude, we find it in apartments, home gardens or city flower beds.

We associate narcissus with spring (they bloom from March to May). The most popular varieties of narcissus have 6 petals and a tube, the so-called lace-ups. Narcissus flowers are usually white or yellow.

Like several other bulbous plants known to us from gardens, the narcissus is "armed" with toxic protective substances - they contain the poisonous alkaloid lycorine - designed to scare off herbivores and insects and plant pests.

From bulbs to flower petals, they pose a threat to the he alth and even life of pets, insects and people.

Narcissus dangerous for people

If you are considering breeding narcissus in your garden, it is worth approaching this idea carefully and remembering a few important facts.

The first is that the poisonous alkaloid is concentrated in the onions. Consuming this part of the narcissist can lead to extremely serious consequences.

A few years ago, the case of poisoning children in primary school in the village of Martlesham Heath in England, who fell ill after eating soup, was quite high-profile. By accident, a narcissus bulb was added to it.

Narcissi also poison the soil

Second, it's important to remember that toxic substances from narcissus bulbs can also spread through the soil. Therefore, under no circumstances should this perennial be planted next to a vegetable garden.

If, for example, we plant pot herbs in the vicinity of a narcissus, we run the risk that they too will become unfit for consumption.

Our joy of adding spices to food grown in our own garden can turn into a lot of stomach trouble.

Toxic substances contained in daffodils also get into the water in the vase in which we keep the cut flowers. So if we decide to place narcissus in a vase, do not put them together in bouquets.

Poisoncontained in the stems and flowers, will cause the remaining plants in the bunch to wilt.

As you can see, the toxicity of this perennial can be dangerous for people, animals and other plants. This is why the narcissist is said to enjoy solitude - both in the soil and in the vase.

Narcissus: beware of allergies

Finally, the third thing: if we have allergy sufferers among the inhabitants of the house, it is better not to buy narcissus in the form of cut flowers.

Yes, the most dangerous for people and animals is the underground part of this plant, but also what is most beautiful about it, i.e. flowers, can harm people prone to allergies.

The intense smell of narcissus is delightful, but in a closed room it can give us a headache, and allergy sufferers - skin reactions or even retching.

Narcissus: away from animals

Daffodil bulbs are a common cause of poisoning in dogs that like to dig them out of the ground. Therefore, in the house where the quadrupeds are staying, it is better to plant narcissi in special boxes that will prevent the animal from accessing dangerous bulbs and stems.

It is more difficult to protect against this danger cats, which often bite the leaves and flowers of narcissus. This could end badly for them as narcissists are toxic and dangerous not only to humans but also to pets.

Depending on how much the animal ate, they can cause more serious or less serious inflammation of the digestive system. They are manifested by vomiting and diarrhea.

Important

Narcissus poisoning in humans - symptoms

Symptoms of narcissus poisoning, and more precisely with the toxic substances in its bulbs, stems and flowers, can cause symptoms in the digestive system: diarrhea, abdominal pain, vomiting and nausea.

Alkaloids also negatively affect the work of other organs, so they can cause an increase in blood pressure, shortness of breath, sweating, and even heart disorders.

Occasional skin irritation may also occur, therefore narcissus care should be carried out in rubber protective gloves.

If a narcissus has been eaten by mistake or, for example, if a child drinks water from a vase in which a narcissus has been standing, consult a doctor.

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