Biodiversity Group: The Native British Daffodil

The native daffodil grows to about 15 – 30cm high, has long grey-green leaves and looks similar to its cultivated relatives. The bulb has narcotic properties and in the 17^th century herbalist, Thomas Culpepper, recommended it as a purgative and emetic, but the Botanical Society warns that it is, in fact, poisonous!
October 17^th 2016, quote from The Daily Telegraph: “The native British strain of daffodil, which inspired Wordsworth’s poem as well as references in Shakespeare, is becoming a rarity even in the wild because of cross pollination with ever more flamboyant strains of the flower bought from garden centres and nurseries, experts say.”
In order to fulfill the Parish Council’s wishes, that the Aynho Biodiversity Group could be proactive in planting daffodils around the village, Julian Maddocks-Born acquired British daffodils and we set off on a damp autumn day to commence planting. As you walk round the village look out for the small clumps which are now blooming. Hopefully they should spread naturally and will provide pleasure for future generations and improve biodiversity within the village.

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