Fauna
Plant

Hyacinth

Hyacinthus orientalis

Also known as Garden Hyacinth, Dutch Hyacinth, Common Hyacinth

Common hyacinths produce dense spikes of sweet-scented, bell-shaped flowers in vibrant shades of blue, purple, pink, white, and red during early spring. Emerging from subterranean bulbs, their fleshy, glossy leaves frame a central flower stalk that attracts early-emerging queen bumblebees and other pollinators. Widely naturalized and prized in horticulture, these resilient geophytes thrive in well-drained soils across temperate garden landscapes.

FloweringFragrantSpring Bloom
Hyacinth reference1 / 7
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Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyAutotrophic (Photosynthetic)
Predators
  • Slugs
  • Snails
  • Voles
ThreatsHabitat degradation in native range, bulb rot, and fungal pathogens
HabitatsRocky slopes, garrigue, scrublands, temperate gardens, and parks
Life spanPerennial (bulbs survive for many years)
Classification
  1. OrderAsparagales
  2. FamilyAsparagaceae
  3. GenusHyacinthus
  4. SpeciesHyacinthus orientalis
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskHigh
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is high
Bulbs contain toxic calcium oxalate crystals and lycorine; wear gloves when handling and keep away from pets.
Why it is dangerous
Bulbs contain calcium oxalate crystals and toxic alkaloids like lycorine, causing severe stomach upset if eaten and skin inflammation on contact.
How to recognize a risky encounter
Look for dense, tubular flower clusters rising above glossy, strap-like green leaves springing directly from a rounded subterranean bulb.
What to do
Wear gloves when planting bulbs to prevent contact dermatitis, and position plants safely away from curious pets and young children.
Responsible observation
  • Planting Depth: Plant bulbs in autumn roughly 10–15 cm deep in well-draining soil with pointed tips facing upward.
  • Handling Caution: Wear gardening gloves when handling bulbs to prevent skin irritation caused by oxalic acid crystals.
  • Light Exposure: Place in full sun to partial shade for optimal flower density and vibrant bloom color.
Related species
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