Daffodils are perennial, bulb-forming plants belonging to the genus Narcissus. They are known for their cheerful colors and distinctive shape, reliably returning each year to provide early spring color. The genus includes thousands of cultivated varieties, all commonly referred to as daffodils. The visual identity of the plant is dominated by its unique flower, which sits atop a long, slender stem.
The Defining Flower Structure
The daffodil flower is built upon two distinct, concentric structures. The outer part is composed of six petal-like segments called tepals, which form a uniform, star-like shape around the middle. The flower’s center is a cup, trumpet, or bowl-shaped structure known as the corona, which is the most defining feature of the plant.
The corona projects outward from the tepals, creating the classic trumpet shape. The size of this central structure is used to classify varieties, ranging from long-cupped (as long as the tepals) to small-cupped types. The flower head is supported by a smooth, hollow stem and often has a slightly nodding orientation when fully open. This combination of six flat tepals surrounding a prominent corona is unique to the Narcissus genus.
Color and Size Variations
While the classic daffodil is golden yellow, the color palette is broad, encompassing white, cream, orange, pink, and salmon shades. The tepals and the central corona can be the same color (e.g., all-yellow) or contrasting, creating a striking bi-color effect. For instance, a variety might have white tepals with a bright orange cup.
The size of the flower also varies considerably across cultivars. Some varieties are miniature, while others, such as large-cupped daffodils, produce substantial blooms four inches or more in diameter on tall stems. Cultivars with a double set of petals or a split corona, where the cup is segmented and pressed back against the tepals, offer further variations.
Foliage and Growth Habit
The non-flowering parts of the daffodil are distinctly linear and upright. The leaves are typically deep green or blue-green, featuring a characteristic strap-like shape. These narrow leaves emerge directly from the ground at the base of the plant.
The leaves appear well before the flower buds in early spring. The flowering stem, called a scape, is leafless, round, and hollow, rising above the foliage to support the bloom. After the flower fades, the leaves remain to photosynthesize, providing the energy necessary for the bulb to produce blooms the following year. This foliage must be allowed to die back naturally.