From a botanical perspective, the most critical point to understand is that "Narcissus" is the formal Latin name for the entire genus. All plants commonly called daffodils or jonquils belong to the genus Narcissus. This genus, part of the Amaryllidaceae family, contains dozens of species and thousands of cultivated hybrids and varieties. Therefore, all daffodils and jonquils are narcissus, but not all narcissus are specifically called daffodils or jonquils. The term "narcissus" is often used interchangeably with "daffodil," though it can also refer more specifically to smaller, delicate varieties or to the genus as a whole.
The word "daffodil" is the common English name for most plants in the genus Narcissus. It is typically used to describe the larger-flowered, trumpet-shaped varieties that are most familiar in gardens and floral displays. Botanically, the key identifier for a daffodil is its flower structure: a central corona (the trumpet or cup) surrounded by a ring of petals (the perianth). While "daffodil" and "narcissus" are often synonymous, horticulturists and enthusiasts sometimes reserve "daffodil" for the larger, trumpet types belonging to Division 1 (Trumpet Narcissus) and other select divisions of the official classification system. They are known for their solitary flowers on a single stem and broad, flat, sword-shaped leaves.
Jonquils refer to a specific species within the genus, Narcissus jonquilla, and its hybrids. They possess distinct botanical characteristics that set them apart from the general term "daffodil." Jonquils are characterized by their clusters of small, fragrant flowers (often multiple blooms per stem), with a small, flat cup instead of a large trumpet. Their foliage is a key identifier; they have dark green, cylindrical, reed-like leaves that resemble rush plants (the name "jonquil" is derived from the Spanish word for rush, junco). They are also noted for their strong, sweet scent. True jonquils are typically adapted to warmer climates and are often among the later-blooming narcissus.
The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) classifies the genus Narcissus into 13 divisions based on flower form and ancestry. This system helps clarify the relationships. For example, Division 1 is Trumpet Narcissus (often called daffodils), Division 7 is Jonquilla Narcissus (which includes N. jonquilla and its hybrids), and Division 13 encompasses the wild species. This formal classification underscores that while all these plants share a genus, they have been bred and selected for specific traits. The confusion in common names arises from centuries of cultivation and regional variations, where any yellow, spring-flowering bulb in the genus might be casually called a daffodil, jonquil, or narcissus.
