Daffodil

(also known as Narcissus or Jonquil)

To me, when I see daffodils growing, it's the first sign of spring. They bring so much color after a long winter. Daffodils have long stems which have no leaves. They can grow a single bloom or a number of blooms (up to 20).

Daffodils are the flower of March.Their trumpets reach out, holding the center down in. No matter what color the daffodil, they all have trumpets. Some trumpets are very small as you can see on the daffodils lying against the tree. Their bulb is planted deep and it holds all the food for the daffodil. It is also responsible for how well the flower's stem grows.

When were they first seen (or thereabouts)?  Daffodils were first seen in Rome between 200 and 300 B.C. The flower also caught the eye of an Englishman in the 17th century.

They symbolize happiness. Who hasn't seen a daffodil and not smiled? The beautiful yellow petals have been used to dye hair and help with baldness.

Did you know that scientists have found a chemical in the daffodil that helps great brain cancer? Scientists have also found ways to use it to treat Alzheimer's. This was news to me.  The daffodil also has a natural poison due to their bulbs and leaves. When you have cut flowers in your home and include daffodils, do you trim the stems after they've been in water? If you do, this allows the poison to reach out to whatever else is in the water. In other words, don't mix flowers. Keep daffodils separate.

So, daffodils are a symbol of spring and, at the same time, are poisonous when brought inside with small children and pets. Considering the fact that I am expecting my first grandson in a few months, I will never have them in my home again. Safety is most important.

I hope you enjoyed reading about the daffodil. As always, there is lots more to learn. This is just a window of knowledge.


Coming next week: learn about the American Robin

Thanks for visiting!

Judy

Reference:

http://www.softschools.com/facts/plants/daffodil_facts/675/

https://www.wideopeneats.com/10-you-didnt-know-about-daffodils/

https://www.southernliving.com/garden/flowers/daffodil-flower-facts

https://www.care2.com/greenliving/9-fun-facts-about-daffodils.html

Wells, D. (1997). 100 Flowers and How They Got Their Names.