03/01/2025
The March birth flower is the daffodil, referred to as the jonquil (which is simply a type of daffodil).
The traditional daffodil is either yellow, white, or a combination of the two, with six petals and a trumpet- or bell-shaped crown that is frilled at its edge.
Daffodils are native to northern Europe. They can be grown in most of North America, except in the hottest and wettest areas.
Daffodils are best known for a single bloom on each stem, but others in the daffodil family, like the jonquil, will produce multiple blooms per stem. There are thousands of registered cultivars of daffodils!
Daffodils also go by their Latin name, Narcissus, which is the plant’s genus. Interestingly, the term “daffodil” doesn’t refer to a singular species; many flowers in the Narcissus genus go by the name. Jonquils, for example, are included within Narcissus and are sometimes called rush daffodils. So, a good thing to remember: all jonquils are daffodils, but not all daffodils are jonquils!
Daffodil Meanings and Symbolism
• It’s believed that the daffodils are named after Narcissus, the son of Cephissus, who was the river god in Greek mythology. According to legend, Narcissus fell in love with his own reflection in the water, and when he fell into the pool and drowned, the daffodil bloomed where he died.
• Because it is one of the first flowers to bloom in spring, daffodils are seen as a representation of rebirth and new beginnings. They are strongly associated with Easter because of this reason.
• Daffodils are traditionally given to someone in a bunch for good luck and happiness; a single daffodil is thought to bring about misfortune.
• The daffodil is traditionally given to celebrate a 10th wedding anniversary.
Information from The Almanac