Daffodils

Daffodils are one of the flowers that herald spring. They are known by many other names, such as narcissus, jonquils, and buttercups. I have even heard them misnomered "Easter lilies," because they are usually blooming around the Easter season. They come from the amaryllis family, have a cup-shaped inner bloom, and are usually varying shades of yellow and sometimes white.

These flowers originally came from southwest Europe. They can be propagated by dividing the bulbs as they grow more numerous, but they're also pollinated by insects. They make good edgings and borders, plants for flower gardens, and cut flowers. They appear many times in literature from writers like Wordsworth and Shakespeare.

Historical records suggest they've been grown from the earliest times, but they became especially popular in the 1500's. Some are considered poisonous if eaten, but a substance extracted from them may prove helpful in the treatment of Alzheimer's and dementia. Regardless of their uses or history, however, their bright nodding heads are always a welcomed sight as the March winds blow away winter.

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