Daffodil - Narcissus

The Daffodil is named after ‘Narcissus’ in Greek mythology, and comes from the Greek for ‘numbness’, which refers to the narcotic properties of the plant. Daffodils were brought to Britain by the Romans who mistakenly believed that its sap could heal wounds. It has since become a very popular cut flower, despite having quite a short vase life in comparison to other cut flowers. As one of the earliest flowering blooms after Winter, the sight of a cluster of daffodils lets us know Spring has sprung!

Most people think of daffodils as a single flower with a large, yellow, trumpet-shaped head and call the smaller, scented type narcissi. In fact there are over 25,000 varieties in shades of yellow, white, orange and peachy pink. Most forms have a clean, sweet scent and some of them can be stronger.

Flower Symbolism:

The daffodil has a number of meanings in flower symbolism including unrequited love, regard, respect, chivalry and self-esteem. Popular in Spring to brighten the end of the cold Winter days, they are also a symbol of sunshine and send the message, ‘the sun shines when I’m with you’.

It is used as the symbol for Marie Curie Cancer Care as they believe it symbolises new life and hope.

Did you know...

The daffodil is the emblem of Wales and is worn on St David’s Day.

Daffodil sap contains sharp crystals to protect the flower from grazing animals.

In medieval Europe if a daffodil drooped when you looked at it, it was considered an omen of death.

Many years ago poultry keepers thought the plant was unlucky and would not allow it in their homes as they believed it would stop their hens laying eggs or the eggs hatching.

The Chinese believe that if the flower is forced to bloom at New Year you will receive good luck for the following twelve months.

The Arabians use daffodils as an aphrodisiac.

 The daffodil is the birth flower of March.

Symbolic flower for a 10th wedding anniversary.