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Daffodil Facts

Daffodil Facts
Daffodil, also known as narcissus and jonquil, is a type of flowering plant that belongs to the Amaryllis family. There are 26 to 60 different species of wild daffodils. They are native to Europe, northern parts of Africa and western parts of Asia and Mediterranean. Daffodils grow in meadows and forests. People cultivate daffodils because of their ornamental morphology. New varieties of daffodils are produced each year. So far, at least 13.000 different types of daffodils were created via selective breeding. They differ in size, color and number of floral leaves. Daffodils require partial or full sun and well drained soil for successful development. They are sensitive to overwatering which induces rotting of bulbs.
Interesting Daffodil Facts:
Daffodil has leafless stem with one to 20 blooms on the top. It can reach 6 to 20 inches in height, depending on the variety.
Flower consists of centrally positioned trumpet-shaped corona that is surrounded with six floral leaves called perianth. Three inner leaves (of perianth) are petals, while three outer leaves represent sepals. Daffodils are usually golden in color. New varieties of daffodils can be found in different combinations of white, yellow, orange, green and pink colors.
Daffodils develop from the bulb which stores all nutrients required for successful development of the stem and flowers. Spring flowering bulbs are planted in the autumn. Cold period during the winter ensures proper development of root.
Besides from bulbs, daffodils can be propagated via seeds. Seeds are black, rounded and covered with protective hard coat.
Daffodils announce beginning of the spring and waking of nature. They are one of the rare species of plants that are able to successfully grow through the snow.
Leaves and bulb contain toxic alkaloid called lycorine. This substance keeps predators (except certain types of insects) on a safe distance.
Due to toxic sap in the stem, daffodil should not be kept in the vase with other plants (it is harmful for them).
Florists can develop allergic reaction on the skin called "daffodil itch" after preparing floral arrangements made of daffodils.
Ancient Romans cultivated daffodils and believed that sap extracted from the flowers possesses healing properties.
Narciclasine is a substance isolated from bulb, which (according to some medical studies) has potential to treat breast cancer.
Keepers of poultry believe that daffodils prevent hens from laying eggs, and they avoid planting of daffodils on their farms.
Daffodil is flower of March and symbol of 10th wedding anniversary.
Bunch of daffodils offered as a gift ensures happiness and represents good fortune, while single daffodil predicts misfortune.
Daffodils were symbol of chivalry during Victorian times. They are symbol of hope today.
Daffodils are perennial plants, which mean that they can survive more than two years in the wild.


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