Poet's Narcissus
Narcissus poeticus
Last reviewed: June 2026
Poet's Narcissus is toxic to dogs and cats.
Listed as toxic by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (last reviewed 2026-05-21). If your pet has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435and your veterinarian's emergency line.
Pollinator Patch flags toxic plants so you can choose a pet-safe native alternative for your yard.
Light
full sun
Water
medium
Size
12"–16" H × 4"–6" W
Bloom
Mar, Apr, May
Native to
AL, AR, CT, GA and 21 more states
Pollinators
bees, beetles
Poet's narcissus is a classic spring-blooming bulb that produces elegant white flowers with small yellow centers and red edges. This reliable perennial naturalizes well and returns year after year with minimal care. The foliage emerges in late winter and dies back by early summer.
In an HOA neighborhood
Poet's Narcissus is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.
Works well in: front yard, foundation, street edge, mid zone.
- Foliage must remain until yellowed for bulb health
- Goes dormant by mid-summer leaving bare spots
Wildlife value
The early spring blooms provide nectar for bees and beetles when few other flowers are available. This makes it particularly valuable for supporting pollinators emerging from winter dormancy.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Pollinator Patch flags toxic plants like Poet's Narcissus and shows pet-safe natives for your ecoregion instead.