“In some parts of the country any
yellow daffodil is called a jonquil, usually incorrectly. As a rule, but not
always, jonquil species and hybrids are characterized by several yellow
flowers, strong scent, and rounded foliage. The hybrids are confined to
Division 7 and the term "jonquil" should be applied only to daffodils
in Division 7 or species in Division 13 known to belong to the jonquil group.”
Source: American daffodil society
The
name Narcissus comes from the Greek myth.
It seems that Narcissus was a very handsome and vain hunter. Echo, a
nymph, fell hopelessly in love with him.
He wasn’t interested, however, and instead looked into a pond where he
fell in love with his own reflection.
Eventually he died and in his place was a beautiful flower—a Narcissus.
So
what is it, jonquil, daffodil or narcissus? It's an apples and oranges conundrum it seems.
You
can decide, but in my ABC book J is for Jonquil-- whatever it is.
