Error message
Unable to fetch location details at this time.
Giant Yellow Jonquils
Narcissus jonquilla
38.7082, -121.33
Field Notes
Description:
Your grandmother may have called them jonquils, your mother named them daffodils, but the horticultural texts all call them narcissus.
The daffodil, also known as the jonquil of narcissus, is believed to have been brought to Britain by the Romans, who mistakenly believed that its sap could heal wounds. (In fact, daffodil sap contains sharp crystals that prevent animals from eating the flower. While it did little to heal the Romans' wounds, it succeeded in further irritating their skin).
Today, people associate the bright, yellow daffodil as a symbol of rebirth - a sign of the new beginnings that come with spring. Indeed, the daffodil is the birthday flower for March, the month in which the spring equinox begins. Daffodils are said to bring good fortune to the person who avoids trampling on them. Lest they bring unhappy vanity to the bride, daffodils should never be present at a wedding.
While daffodils can be taken to say, "my fond hopes have been dashed by your behavior," they mostly say, "the sun is always shining when I'm with you. " For the most part, daffodils signify unrequited love.
Habitat:
Narcissi prefer full sun for 6 to 8 hours a day. Because they bloom in early spring before deciduous trees leave out and cast shade from the canopy, many gardeners tuck them under trees for a colorful show in the spring. Foliage typically completes its cycle and begins to die back before shade from the canopy becomes an issue. However, it is important to note that daffodils grown in too much shade may cease blooming after the first year or two if their foliage does not receive enough sunlight to manufacture and store food in the bulbs for blooming. Narcissi can be grown successfully in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 3 through 9, depending on the cultivar.
Notes:
* In some parts of the country any yellow daffodil is called a jonquil, usually incorrectly. As a rule, but not always, jonquil species and hybrids are characterized by several yellow flowers, strong scent, and rounded foliage. The hybrids are confined to Division 7 and the term "jonquil" should be applied only to daffodils in Division 7 or species in Division 13 known to belong to the jonquil group.
Comments (0)
Be the first to comment
Sign in to comment