Would you eat a daffodil? For most people the answer is ‘no’ but a new health warning has been issued about the hazards of eating daffodils. The British body, Public Health England, has written to supermarkets urging them to move daffodils away from food, in case people become confused.
Daffodils are indeed poisonous if eaten. Ten people were treated in hospital last year after consuming the plants, which contain toxic chemicals. British supermarkets have been asked to treat both daffodil bulbs and full grown flowers carefully to avoid confusion.
Daffodil stalks can resemble vegetables used in traditional Chinese cooking. While it is unlikely anyone will be tempted to knowingly eat a daffodil, it is worth noting that in some cases they can cause vomiting and diarrhoea.