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pheasant's eye

Scientific Name: Adonis

Family: Ranunculaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth:

Duration:

Other Names:

       

Pheasant's Eye: A Botanical Overview

This article explores several plants commonly known as "Pheasant's Eye," including details about their characteristics, habitat, and historical context.

Considerations for Pets

  • The text mentions Adonis aestivalis (Summer Pheasant's Eye) poisoning in horses, suggesting potential toxicity in at least one species commonly called "Pheasant's Eye."

Considerations for Children

  • The text indicates that some species are grown for cut flowers, which may bring them into homes and within reach of children.

Common Names and Scientific Names

  • Common Names: Pheasant's Eye, Spring Pheasant's Eye, Yellow Pheasant's Eye, Summer Pheasant's Eye, Old Pheasant's Eye, Adonis' Flower, Blooddrops, Soldier in Green, Red Morocco, Red Chamomile, Little Glowing Coal.
  • Scientific Names:
    • Adonis annua
    • Adonis vernalis
    • Narcissus poeticus var. recurvus
    • Adonis microcarpa (Small-fruited Pheasant's Eye)
    • Narcissus 'Pheasant's Eye'
    • Narcissus 'Actaea' (also known as Narcissus Pheasant Eye)

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Adonis annua is an annual herbaceous plant belonging to the buttercup family (Ranunculaceae).
  • Adonis vernalis belongs to the order Ranunculaceae.
  • Synonyms for Narcissus poeticus var. recurvus include Poeticus var. recurvus.

Distribution and Habitat

  • Adonis annua is native to Eurasia. It was once found in cornfields but has declined due to modern herbicides. It is now restricted to a limited number of sites in southern and south-east England.
  • Adonis vernalis is found in dry habitats.
  • The blossoms of Pheasant's Eye once grew wild along roadsides and in meadows of Europe and Asia.
  • Adonis microcarpa (Small-fruited pheasant's eye) has a limited distribution in rotational cropping.

Ecological Role

  • Adonis annua was once considered a weed of arable fields. The development of intensive agricultural practices has significantly reduced its presence in the wild. It's intolerant of herbicides.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

  • Adonis annua: Features bright-green, finely dissected leaves on a branched stem that can reach a certain height. Flowers are wine-red.
  • Adonis vernalis: A perennial growing to 0.3 m (1ft) by 0.3 m (1ft). It flowers in March, and the seeds ripen from May to June.
  • Narcissus poeticus var. recurvus: Has large, white, reflexed petals and a small, yellow cup, edged red with a green eye. It is known for its spicy fragrance.
  • The flowers are deep orange to red with a dark purple basal blotch, and are pollinated by bees and flies.
  • Narcissus 'Pheasant's Eye': Features white petals and a yellow corona, often rimmed with red.

Quirky Facts

  • The name "Pheasant's Eye" refers to the resemblance between the flower and the red eye of a pheasant.
  • Narcissus poeticus var. recurvus (old pheasant's eye) is particularly fragrant and blooms late, marking a transition before summer.
  • One source mentions an "Elliott Sharp: Doing The Don't" which seems unrelated to the flower, but it is an amusing juxtaposition.