Narcissus is a genus of predominantly spring perennial plants in the Amaryllidaceae (amaryllis) family. Often used interchangeably with "daffodil," the term "Narcissus" is the correct botanical name for the entire genus. These plants are characterized by their central trumpet-shaped corona (which can be long or short) surrounded by a ring of six floral leaves, often called the perianth. All parts of the Narcissus plant contain toxic alkaloids, primarily lycorine, which is a natural defense mechanism against herbivores.
This division encompasses varieties where the trumpet (corona) is as long as, or longer than, the petal segments (perianth). Each stem bears a single large flower. The trumpet is a distinct, tubular structure. A classic example is the famous 'King Alfred' type daffodil, with its bright yellow perianth and matching trumpet. These are often the first image that comes to mind when one thinks of a daffodil and are among the most recognizable.
Varieties in this category feature a single flower per stem where the cup (corona) is more than one-third but less than equal to the length of the petal segments. The cup is not a long trumpet but a shorter, often flared or bowl-shaped structure. This division exhibits tremendous variety in color, with cups frequently appearing in contrasting shades like orange, pink, or red against a white or yellow perianth. An example is the 'Salome' cultivar, which has white petals and a peach-pink cup.
These Narcissus varieties are defined by a cup (corona) that is no more than one-third the length of the petal segments. They present a more delicate and refined appearance compared to the trumpet types. The small cup is often elegantly shaped and can feature a different, sometimes strikingly contrasting color. The 'Barrett Browning' cultivar is a prime example, showcasing pure white petals with a small, vibrant orange-red cup.
This group includes varieties with a double set of petals, a double corona, or a combination of both. Instead of the classic single ring of six petals, these flowers have a clustered, multi-petaled appearance that can resemble a carnation or a small peony. The doubling is a result of a mutation where stamens are transformed into additional petaloid structures. Examples include the yellow 'Tahiti' and the white and orange 'Replete'.
Botanically distinct, Tazetta varieties are characterized by having multiple flowers (typically 3-20) per stout stem. They possess a strong, often sweet fragrance and feature a short, cup-shaped corona. They are notably tender, meaning they are not hardy in very cold climates and are often forced indoors for winter blooms. The popular Paperwhite narcissus, such as 'Ziva', used for indoor forcing, belongs to this division.
This division is reserved for the wild species, wild variants, and wild hybrids. These are generally smaller, more delicate plants that are closest to the original forms found in nature. They are ideal for naturalizing in rock gardens or lawns. A quintessential example is the tiny Hoop Petticoat daffodil (Narcissus bulbocodium), with its almost non-existent perianth and a large, funnel-shaped corona, or the delicate Tenby daffodil (Narcissus obvallaris).
