[6][7][8][9][10] Six subspecies are accepted by the World Checklist of Selected Plant Families:[11] Narcissus tazetta contains a fragrant compound found in only a few other plants, including roses and Acnistus arborescens, called orcinol dimethyl ether, which is almost undetectable to the human nose.

[17] Narcissus tazetta is a widespread species, native to the Mediterranean region from Portugal to Turkey.

It is also naturalized across the Middle East, Central Asia, Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, Nepal and Bhutan, as well as the Canary Islands, China (Fujian, Zhejiang), Japan, Australia, Korea, Norfolk Island, New Zealand, Bermuda, Mexico and the United States (Oregon, California, Texas, Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, and West Virginia)[18] and South America.

[19] Narcissus tazetta is grown commercially for its essential oil, mostly in southern France.

An interspecies hybrid, with Narcissus poeticus, is also grown for its essential oil.