How to identify Daffodils (Narcissus)

Photo By Evan Sedlock , used under CC-BY /Cropped and compressed from original

How to identify Daffodils (Narcissus)

Daffodils, also known as Lent Lily, Jonquil

Daffodils manifests as a geophyte—which is a type of perennial plant that grows from an underground storage organ. It typically reaches a height of 8 to 30 inches (20 to 76 cm) and spreads about 6 to 12 inches (15 to 30 cm). The leaves are either flat or reed-like in form. Notably, daffodils's flowers are characterized by a six-parted perianth—six tepals forming a flower-like structure—and a distinctive, centrally projecting corona, which is often trumpet-shaped and can be of various colors. This central corona is a hallmark feature for identification.

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type: Herb

Leaf Type: Deciduous

Quickly Identify Daffodils

Centrally projecting corona in flower, trumpet-shaped, various colors.

Narrow, erect, strap-shaped leaves, 12-18 inches (30-45 cm) long, blue-green glaucous hue.

Spreading six-petal flowers, tubular projection, blooming Dec-May, enhanced by papery bract.

Basal rosette leaf arrangement, smooth texture with slight sheen, parallel vein patterns.

Detailed Traits of Daffodils

Leaf Features

The leaves of daffodils are narrow, erect, and strap-shaped, measuring typically 12-18 inches (30-45 cm) long. They grow either flat or terete in sprawling clumps, often forming a basal rosette. These leaves are glaucous, displaying a blue-green hue, and can appear in groups or singly. Their texture is smooth with a slight sheen. Vein patterns are parallel, characteristic of monocots, providing strength and flexibility to the leaves.

Learn About the Leaf Glossary

Flower Features

The flowers of daffodils display a remarkable range of colors from white to yellow to red, often appearing alone or in clusters atop a naked stem. Each flower features six spreading petal-like parts with a tubular projection above. The perianth has six free lobes that are spreading to reflexed. A petaloid corona, which can be cylindrical, cup-like, or saucer-like, arises at the perianth's junction. Flowers bloom from December to May, lasting 2-3 weeks and are enhanced by a papery bract at the back, forming a scapose umbel or a solitary bloom.

Learn About the Flower Glossary

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