Paper-white daffodil (Narcissus papyraceus, Bot. Mag. 24: t. 947 (1806))

Family: Amaryllidaceae

Author: Ker Gawl.

Bibliography: Bot. Mag. 24: t. 947 (1806)

Year: 1806

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Narcissus

Vegetable: False

Observations: Medit.

Description

The Paper-white daffodil, scientifically known as Narcissus papyraceus, is an enchanting species belonging to the Amaryllidaceae family. This perennial plant inhabits the Mediterranean region, where it thrives in mild climates and soils that provide optimal growth conditions.

The Paper-white daffodil was first documented in 1806 by Ker Gawl., as recorded in the renowned botanical publication “Botanical Magazine” (volume 24, plate 947). This early 19th-century classification highlights the longstanding appreciation of this delicate flower in the botanical community.

Characterized by its pristine white petals and sweet fragrance, the Paper-white daffodil is a popular choice for both indoor and outdoor cultivation. Its elegant blooms, usually arising in clusters, offer a visual delight and a sense of freshness wherever they are planted. This species is celebrated not only for its aesthetic appeal but also for its relative ease of care, making it a favorite among gardeners of varying expertise.

Ideal for growing in pots or directly in the garden, the Paper-white daffodil is often forced to bloom indoors during the winter months, providing an early burst of spring-like cheer. Its maintenance requires well-draining soil and moderate watering, ensuring that the bulbs do not sit in waterlogged conditions. When planted outdoors, the bulbs should be placed in a sunny or lightly shaded spot to flourish.

In addition to its ornamental value, the Paper-white daffodil holds a particular charm due to its ability to bloom in the cooler months, bringing life and color when most other flowers are dormant.

Whether you are an avid gardener or simply someone who appreciates the finer beauties of nature, incorporating the Paper-white daffodil into your plant collection can add a touch of elegance and timeless beauty to any setting.

Common Names

Fra: narcisse
Mlt: narċis
Eng: paper-white daffodil, paperwhite narcissus, paper-white narcissus
Swe: vit tazett
Cym: cenhinen-bedr wen
En: Paper-white daffodil, Paper-white narcissus, Paperwhite narcissus
Ar: نرجس رقيق
Zh: 白水仙
Fr: Narcisse
De: Weihnachts-Narzisse
He: נרקיס ניירי
Mt: Narċis
Sv: Vit tazett, Tazett
Cy: Cenhinen-Bedr wen

Synonyms

• Hermione papyracea ((Ker Gawl.) Schult. & Schult.f.)
• Narcissus linnaeanus subsp. papyraceus ((Ker Gawl.) Rouy)
• Narcissus papyratius (Spach)
• Narcissus tazetta subsp. papyraceus ((Ker Gawl.) Baker)
• Chione papyracea ((Ker Gawl.) Salisb.)
• Narcissus tazetta var. papyraceus ((Ker Gawl.) Baker)
• Hermione papyratia (Haw.)

Distribution

• Algeria (native)
• France (native)
• Greece (native)
• Italy (native)
• Morocco (native)
• Portugal (native)
• Sicilia (native)
• Spain (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)
• Alabama (introduced)
• Azores (introduced)
• California (introduced)
• Corse (introduced)
• East Aegean Is. (introduced)
• Louisiana (introduced)
• Texas (introduced)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Dec 24, 2019 by ms ma (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 7, 2019 by Blanca Rodríguez Linares (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 1, 2020 by Andrés González Muñoz (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 2, 2018 by Tatiana Chiara (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 15, 2017 by juanbautistafernandez (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Jan 2, 2020 by Xavier Rodriguez (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 2, 2022 by derek Merrell (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 22, 2021 by Maqueda Jose A (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 2, 2020 by Maza Daniel (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 17, 2020 by Miguel Francisco (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Dec 20, 2020 by Fernandez Cusachs Marc (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 23, 2022 by Jacqueline n Neveu (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 12, 2020 by j B (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 24, 2020 by trinity selassie (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 2022 by pol wyp (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Feb 15, 2006 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Feb 15, 2018 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Jan 1, 1970 by Photoflora – L’Abbé COSTE (©)

Taken Feb 15, 2013 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Feb 22, 2022 by Renaud Brochiero (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Jun 29, 2022 by anabalon diego (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 10, 2021 by Pinto Aquiles (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 18, 2021 by salazar romero carlos (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 2, 2020 by Maza Daniel (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Mar 12, 2022 by Giulia Davoli (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 15, 2006 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Jan 24, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Ans GORTER (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Assaf Shtilman (cc-by)

Taken Feb 26, 2013 by EOL − Valter Jacinto (cc-by-nc-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2858739)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:66149-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Narcissus papyraceus Ker Gawl.)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Forb/herb

Growth

Ph maximum: 6.5

Ph minimum: 5.5

Light: 8

Atmospheric humidity: 5

Soil nutriments: 5