This week’s fact is brought to you by the genus Narcissus, and is a perfect segway for next week’s plant (everyone’s personal favorite): poison ivy.
PLANT FACT OF THE WEEK: Daffodils are known to cause skin reactions called “daffodil itch.” It usually results in dryness, scaliness and cracks on the hands due to the calcium oxalate (a key component found in the formation of kidney stones) that is present in the sap.
Sources
Plant Fact: http://ezinearticles.com/?Daffodil-Flower-Information-and-Facts&id=4842524
Calcium Oxalate Fact: http://www.ehow.com/facts_6143363_calcium-oxalate_.html
So I should probably refrain from picking up/touching daffodils from now on, huh?
You can touch daffodils–I just don’t recommend breaking leaves and rubbing the sap all over your hands, nor do I recommend eating the plant. If you do happen to break a leaf or two, remember to wash your hands throughly and all will be well.
Soooooo, I feel like a fool. I definitely was thinking of dandelions when I saw daffidils and yeah, I ate those all the time as a kid. Good thing I caught myself in the confusion or else I’d have a very itch mouth…Did you know that Daffidils are NOT Dandelions hehehehehe.