One of the most popular spring time flowers is the daffodil. Daffodils belong to the genus Narcissus, and are known for their beautiful trumpet shaped formation, which seemingly bursts from their star shaped backdrop. Early Greek legends say that the flower originated from the youth Narcissus. He became so obsessed with his own reflection in a pool of water, he couldn't stop staring and eventually he died. The Greeks say that the Gods turned his remains into the Narcissus flower.

Daffodils have been around for literally thousands of years. The earliest known references to the flower are in documents from two or three hundred years B.C. Daffodils were also mentioned in the writings of the prophet Mohammed from the 6th century. Daffodils were grown extensively by the ancient Greeks and Romans. The Romans even brought the flower to Britain. They thought the sap from the daffodils had healing powers. In actuality, daffodil sap contains crystals which are commonly a skin irritant. Unfortunately, the daffodil became a forgotten flower over the years, until it was rediscovered around the 1600's. In fact, it was considered a weed until a group of Englishmen transplanted it into the garden. Only then was the daffodil considered "in favor" again.

Daffodils originate from the Mediterranean region; they are native to the Iberian Peninsula, as well as North Africa and the Middle East. There are at least 50 species of daffodils, with over 13,000 hybrids documented.

Daffodils come in a variety of colors; often the trumpet color is in contrast to the star. The yellow, clustered flowers Jonquils and the White Narcissi, are both considered daffodils. Generally daffodils are yellow, but they exist in a variety of hues, ranging from yellow-and-white, yellow-and-orange, white-and-orange, pink, and lime-green. Daffodils also come in a variety of sizes, from 5 inch blooms on 2 foot stems, to half-inch flowers on 2 inch stems.

The center part of the daffodil, which looks like a trumpet, is called the corona. Daffodils are made up with the central corona, with a ring of petals surrounding it. The "natural" daffodil is a golden yellow color, but the trumpet often has a contrasting color. The daffodil's stem is smooth and has no leaves.

Interesting Facts About Daffodils

Daffodils are perennial flowers (flowers that live for more than two years) that grow from bulbs.

Daffodils often grow in large clusters.

When planting daffodils, it is important that the bulbs are planted at a depth that is three times the height of the bulb. It is also important that the bulbs are planted in an area that will receive plenty of sunshine!

The daffodil is a flower that symbolizes friendship.

The state of Washington (specifically Pierce County) hosts an annual Daffodil Festival, which culminates in the month of April with a Grand Floral Street Parade, which travels across 4 different cities, all in one day.

Paper-White Daffodils can be planted outdoors in gardens during the spring; they can also be grown indoors during the winter.

The American Daffodil Society determined that Miniature Daffodils must compete in their own category in Daffodil shows.

The bulbs and leaves of Daffodils contain poisonous crystals, which discourages rodents (such as squirrels) from eating them. Only certain insects who have immunity to the poison will eat Daffodils. Rodents, however, may still dig up your daffodil bulbs.