How much sun does Poet's Narcissus need?

Poet's Narcissus grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Poet's Narcissus bloom?

Poet's Narcissus blooms in March, April, and May.

Is Poet's Narcissus toxic to dogs?

Yes. Poet's Narcissus is listed as toxic to dogs by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (aspca.org). If your pet has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.

Is Poet's Narcissus toxic to cats?

Yes. Poet's Narcissus is listed as toxic to cats by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (aspca.org). If your cat has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.

What pollinators does Poet's Narcissus attract?

Poet's Narcissus draws bees and beetles.

Is Poet's Narcissus HOA-friendly?

Poet's Narcissus is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

Poet's Narcissus

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Narcissus poeticus

Last reviewed: August 2026

Poet's Narcissus is toxic to dogs and cats.

Listed as toxic by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) (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

Pollinators

bees, beetles

Native alternatives to Poet's Narcissus

Poet's Narcissus is not native to the United States. These natives fill a similar role in a planting, matched on bloom season, bloom color and mature size.

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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.

Common questions

How much sun does Poet's Narcissus need?: Poet's Narcissus grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Poet's Narcissus bloom?: Poet's Narcissus blooms in March, April, and May.
Is Poet's Narcissus toxic to dogs?: Yes. Poet's Narcissus is listed as toxic to dogs by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (aspca.org). If your pet has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.
Is Poet's Narcissus toxic to cats?: Yes. Poet's Narcissus is listed as toxic to cats by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (aspca.org). If your cat has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.
What pollinators does Poet's Narcissus attract?: Poet's Narcissus draws bees and beetles.
Is Poet's Narcissus HOA-friendly?: Poet's Narcissus is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

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