Wild Wednesday – Daffodil | Latest news

Daffodils are one of the most beloved flowers in the world, symbolising renewal, hope, and new beginnings. 

Known scientifically as Narcissus, which comes from the Greek mythological character Narcissus, who fell in love with his own reflection and was transformed into the flower.

These perennial flowers (come back year after year from the same bulb) are renowned for their bright yellow, trumpet-shaped blooms and their early spring arrival. Daffodils mark the arrival of warmer weather and are often among the first flowers to bloom after the winter. 

They are native to parts of Europe and North Africa, though they have now been widely cultivated in gardens and fields around the world. 

While yellow is the most common colour of daffodils, they can also be found in white, orange, pink, and even a mix of colours. 

Daffodils are toxic if ingested. They contain compounds such as lycorine and calcium oxalate, which can cause stomach upsets in humans and animals. The toxins are especially concentrated in the bulb.

They are important for pollinators like bees, providing nectar during early spring when other food sources are scarce.

In many countries, Daffodils are used as a symbol for cancer awareness. Daffodil Day, for example, is celebrated annually to raise funds for cancer research.

Read more here: The history of daffodils | National Trust