Lus an Chromchinn
Latin name: Narcissus
The daffodil is a member of the narcissus family. Like all other narcissus, this bright, sunny flower has a trumpet shaped centre and is surrounded by a star shaped ring of petals.
How many different species of daffodil do you think there are? There are at least fifty!
Latin name: Narcissus
The daffodil is a member of the narcissus family. Like all other narcissus, this bright, sunny flower has a trumpet shaped centre and is surrounded by a star shaped ring of petals.
How many different species of daffodil do you think there are? There are at least fifty!
Daffodils
Copyright John Kennedy
Copyright John Kennedy
Daffodil bulbs are perennial, which means that they will live for more than two years. These bulbs will happily grow in most types of ground – along roadsides, in hedgerows, meadows and waste ground. The daffodil really is a very hardy flower!
Daffodils begin to flower in early spring and usually grow in clusters. They are one of Ireland’s favourite wildflowers, loved for the blanket of golden yellow they bring to the countryside after the dark winter months. Some varieities have crisp, creamy coloured petals with bright orange trumpet centres, making even the dullest day more lively.
Do you know why the daffodil flowers so early in the springtime? If they flower before the leaves fully open out on the trees, they can get plenty of sunlight and make lots of food through photosynthesis. Photosynthesis is when the plant absorbs sunlight in through its leaves and combines it with carbon dioxide from the air to make food.
When the flowers have died away, the leaves of the daffodils remain for another few weeks to store food for the next year. Remember, don’t remove the leaves before they wilt away!
Have you heard of Daffodil Day? On this day, the Irish Cancer Society sells daffodils to raise funds for patients and their families, as these bright yellow flowers bring hope and optimism in the springtime.