Narcissus is mostly native to the Mediterranean region, but a few species are found from Central Asia to China. A spring-flowering bulb, narcissus is the name of the genus that includes daffodils and paper whites. Narcissus plants have conspicuous flowers, which are generally white or yellow, sometimes with a contrasting color at their centers.

Narcissus-bulb carving and cultivation may be likened to Japanese bonsai. The bulbs may be carved to create curling leaves or, with the use of props such as wires and ribbons, shaped into subjects such as roosters and cranes.