Narcissus is a species of daffodil, so every daffodil is a narcissus, but not every daffodil is a jonquil. From a botanical point of view, narcissus is Narcissus jonquilla (narcissus) is a plant with narrow, reed-like leaves and several small, fragrant flowers on each stem. However, in everyday speech, almost any yellow narcissus is called a "jonquil," hence the confusion.
To sum it up
- Narcissus ( Daffodil ) is a whole genus of bulbous plants from the amaryllis family (Amaryllidaceae), numbering several dozen species and thousands of varieties.
- Narcissus ( Narcissus jonquilla ) is one of the species of this genus, growing in Spain and Portugal.
- Narcissus has narrow, reed-like leaves , 2–6 small, fragrant flowers on a stem and a short corolla; the typical "garden" trumpet daffodil has one large flower with a long tube.
- In colloquial speech, "narcissus" means any yellow daffodil, regardless of species.
Narcissus and narcissus – botany in one sentence.
The relationship between a narcissist and a circissus is like the relationship between a "dog" and a "dachshund". Narcissus - this is the name of the genus ( Narcissus ), which includes several dozen wild species (Polish Wikipedia lists 74) and more than 10,000 garden varieties. Narcissus - This is the name of one of these species: Narcissus jonquilla , or "jonquil" in Polish.
So the question "narcissus or daffodil?" is somewhat ambiguous. Botanically, a daffodil is a narcissus. In everyday speech, the word "narcissus" usually refers simply to the yellow daffodil, most often the trumpet variety, which bears little resemblance to the real thing. N. jonquilla, except for belonging to the same genus.
What is a narcissist?
Narcissus are bulbous perennial plants families amaryllis . In the wild, they grow in Mediterranean countries, as well as in other parts of Europe and Asia. They have linear leaves and flowers that appear singly or in clusters on the stem.
The structure of the flower is unique: six perianth petals are arranged in the shape of a star, and in the center corolla – depending on the species and variety – a long tube, a cup, or a flat bowl. The most famous species in Poland include trumpet daffodil ( N. pseudonarcissus ), white daffodil ( N. poeticus , also known as the poetic narcissus) and narcissus jonquil .
What is a daffodil (Narcissus jonquilla)?
Narcissus comes from Spain and Portugal . Its name comes from the French jonquille , which in turn comes from Spanish junquillo , diminutive form of Junco , meaning "reed." The name refers to the appearance of its leaves: they are long, narrow, and reminiscent of reeds or grass.
Narcissus usually forms from 2 to 6 yellow flowers on a single stem, with a yellow corolla that is shorter than the flattened petals of the perianth. Flowers have a strong aroma ; In France, narcissus is grown as a raw material for the production of narcissus oil, used in perfumery. The plant reaches a height of about 38 cm.
In the classification of daffodils maintained by the British Royal Horticultural Society (RHS), there is a separate group Jonquilla (Section 7) This group includes cultivars with the characteristic features of narcissus: 1–5 (rarely up to 8) flowers per stem, spreading or reflexed perianth petals, a corolla that is usually wider than it is long, and, as a rule, a distinct fragrance.
Table: Daffodils and Jonquils
Since the daffodil is usually compared to the "classic" yellow daffodil with its long, tubular flower, the comparison applies specifically to these two plants.
| Characteristic | trumpet daffodil | Narcissus |
|---|---|---|
| Latin name | Narcissus pseudonarcissus and tubular varieties | Narcissus jonquilla and varieties from the jonquil group. |
| Leaves | Flat, noticeably wider | Narrow, sieve-like |
| Flowers on the shoot | Usually one big one | Usually 2-6, minor |
| Lace | A long tube, at least as long as the perianth petals. | Short, cup-shaped, wider than long. |
| Smell | Weaker | Rich, sweet |
| Source | Western Europe | Spain and Portugal |
| Common name | He is often called a "narcissist". | Narcissus |
Why is there confusion between the names narcissus and daffodil?
French the word jonquille associated with the color bright yellow, and in Polish the word "jonquil" began to be used to denote all yellow daffodils , regardless of classification. In turn, "narcissus" in colloquial usage more often refers to white or bicolor flowers, such as a white daffodil with a small corolla edged in red. As a result, many people believe that the daffodil is white and the jonquil is yellow—which is botanically incorrect, as both are daffodils.
A similar problem exists in English: in the southern United States, the word "jonquil" is sometimes used to refer to any yellow daffodil, although it technically refers only to N. jonquilla and its hybrids. In Poland, the yellow daffodil is also a symbol of remembrance of the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising.
How to recognize a daffodil in a garden or flower shop?
- Look at the leaves. Narrow, rounded in cross-section, reminiscent of grass or reeds—typical narcissus. Wide and flat—most likely trumpet daffodil or another group.
- Count the flowers on the stem. Several small flowers on a single stem indicate a narcissus (or a narcissus from another multi-flowered group, such as Tazetta). A single large flower is most often a tubular or large-flowered variety.
- Inspect the top. A long, protruding "tube" is the hallmark of a trumpet daffodil. A shallow, wide calyx is a characteristic feature of the daffodil.
- Smell it. Daffodils have a characteristic sweet fragrance; tubular-flowered varieties tend to have a weaker scent.
- Check the label. In the store, pay attention to the designation of the bulb group - «Jonquilla» or «Div. 7» indicate the variety of daffodil.
Growing both plants is similar: the bulbs are planted in the fall, and the flowers appear the following spring. All daffodils, including jonquils, poisonous . They contain lycorine, which is found in the highest concentration in the bulbs; consuming them can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Daffodil bulbs are sometimes mistaken for edible onions, so it's best to store them separately, out of the reach of children and pets. If swallowed, seek medical attention or contact a poison control center.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is a narcissist a narcissist?
Yes. Narcissus ( Narcissus jonquilla ) is a species of the genus Narcissus. Every narcissus is a narcissus, but not every narcissus is a narcissus.
Narcissus or daffodil – what is the correct name for the yellow flower with a tubular flower?
More precisely: a trumpet daffodil. The name "jonquil" in this sense is colloquial—from a botanical perspective, a narcissus is a different species, with several small flowers on a stem and narrow leaves.
Where does the name "narcissus" come from?
The name comes from French jonquille , and also from Spanish junquillo , diminutive of Junco ("reed"). The name refers to the plant's narrow, sieve-like leaves.
Do daffodils smell stronger than regular daffodils?
Types and varieties N. jonquilla Narcissus from the Jonquilla group typically have a distinctive sweet scent—daffodils are even used in perfumery. The popular yellow trumpet daffodils are generally less fragrant.
Are daffodils and other similar plants poisonous?
Yes, all parts of the daffodil plant, including jonquils, contain toxic alkaloids, especially the bulbs. Consuming may cause gastrointestinal upset. In case of poisoning, contact a doctor or poison control center.
See also
- What is the difference between quince and Japanese quince?
- What is the difference between dandelion and milkweed?
- What is the difference between a border rose and a multiflora rose?
- What is the difference between a yellow and a white ambulance?