Daffodils

Daffodils are in the genus Narcissus, and the amaryllidaceae family.  They are native to Europe, North Africa, and Asia.  Most daffodil bulbs bloom in the spring, however, some bloom in autumn.  New variations of daffodils are available almost yearly.

The flower of narcissus has a central cup or corona.  Three inner petals surround the corona, and the three outer petals are called sepals.  The leaves that spring from the bulbs are long and thin.  Daffodil seeds are round and black.  Single and double varieties of daffodil plants grow naturally.  However, breeders can develop daffodils with triple and multiple segments.

Most daffodils are planted outdoors in autumn about five to six inches deep.  Then in about three or four years, after the bulbs multiply, they can be dug up and transplanted elsewhere.  Daffodils are great for naturalizing, planting in containers, and borders.  Paper white narcissus are often grown indoors in bowls of water and pebbles.  

Daffodil plants contain the poison lycorine in their bulbs and leaves.  People who handle daffodils regularly may get what is called daffodil itch.  The symptoms may include dryness, scaling, cracks in the skin, redness, thickened skin under the nails.