The narcissus (Narcissus tazetta), known in Hebrew as נרקיס מצוי (Narkis Matzui), is one of Israel’s most beloved & iconic wildflowers. It is celebrated for its strong fragrance.

It has delicate white flowers with a small yellow corona (central cup).
Each plant produces multiple flowers on a single stem.
Slender, green leaves emerge from a bulb underground.

Fragrance: The flowers emit a strong, sweet scent that makes them easily recognizable.

Blooming Season: Typically from December to February.

Habitat: Grows in moist, open areas, often found near seasonal water sources such as valleys, stream banks & wet meadows.

Distribution: Found in northern & central Israel, including the Galilee, the Carmel, parts of the Judean Hills & the Negev.

Some scholars associate the narcissus with biblical verses that reference fragrant or beautiful flowers; it is often linked to the "lily of the valleys" in Song of Songs 2:1 ("I am a rose of Sharon, a lily of the valleys").

In Jewish and Israeli culture, the narcissus symbolizes renewal & the beauty of nature, as it blooms in the middle of winter, signaling the approach of spring.

Conservation & Protection
Protected Flower: Due to over-picking & habitat destruction, the narcissus is a legally protected wildflower in Israel. It is illegal to uproot or pick them in the wild.

Conservation Efforts: Various nature reserves, such as the Gilboa & Ramat Hanadiv Reserves, protect natural populations of the narcissus.

Some of the best places to see wild narcissus blooms in Israel include:

Ramat Menashe (near Megiddo)
Ayalon Valley (near Latrun)
The Golan Heights
The Galilee and Carmel regions
The Negev Highlands (in wetter spots)

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