What Is the Difference Between Jonquils and Daffodils

Jonquils and daffodils are bright, cheerful flowers that bloom in early spring. The two belong to the same Narcissus family. However, while all jonquils are daffodils, not all daffodils are jonquils.

What is the difference between jonquils and daffodils? Jonquils usually have thinner, grass-like leaves and clusters of small, fragrant blooms, whereas daffodils have broader leaves and larger, trumpet-shaped flowers.

Key Areas Covered

1. What are Jonquils  
     – Definition, Features
2. What are Daffodils
     – Definition, Features 
3. Similarities Between Jonquils and Daffodils
     – Outline of Common Features
4. Difference Between Jonquils and Daffodils
     – Comparison of Key Differences
5. FAQ: Jonquils and Daffodils
     – Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

Key Terms

Jonquils, Daffodils, Narcissus 

What are Jonquils

Jonquils are a type of flowering plant belonging to the Narcissus family. The name jonquil comes from the Spanish word junquillo, meaning “little rush,” because the plant’s leaves are long, narrow, and shaped like reeds. Although people often use the word “jonquil” to describe any daffodil, it technically refers only to a specific species of Narcissus. It is scientifically known as Narcissus jonquilla.

Jonquils are native to Spain and Portugal. But now it grows in many other parts of the world, including the United States, France, and Italy. Jonquils have been grown since the 18th century, especially in France, where they were used to produce narcissus oil, which is an ingredient in many perfumes. These flowers usually bloom in late spring, producing small clusters of up to five fragrant yellow or white blossoms on each stem. Their sweet scent makes them a favorite for gardens and flower arrangements.

What are Daffodils

Daffodils are bright, cheerful spring flowers. They are trumpet-shaped blooms. Their botanical name is Narcissus. They are among the first flowers to appear when winter ends.

The name daffodil is believed to have come from the ancient Greek flower Asphodel, which was linked to myths about the afterlife. Over time, the Dutch phrase “de affodil” evolved into the modern word daffodil.

Daffodils grow from bulbs and come back year after year with very little care. They thrive in both full sun and partial shade, and they’re hardy in most climates. They’re resistant to animals like deer and rabbits, which makes them perfect for gardens.

Yellow is the most common color in daffodils. But they also bloom in white, cream, orange, and even pink. There are many types, including trumpet, double, large-cup, split-cup, and jonquilla varieties. Daffodils are not picky about soil, as long as it isn’t too wet. Moreover, their large, healthy bulbs produce stronger stems and more flowers.

Similarities Between Jonquils and Daffodils

1. Both jonquils and daffodils belong to the Narcissus genus of flowering plants.
2. They both bloom in spring and are among the first flowers to appear after winter.
3. Both grow from bulbs and come back year after year with little maintenance.

Difference Between Jonquils and Daffodils

Definition

• Jonquils are a type of daffodil (Narcissus jonquilla) with slender, reed-like leaves and clusters of small, sweetly scented yellow or white flowers. Daffodils are spring-blooming flowers from the Narcissus genus, known for their trumpet-shaped centers and bright yellow, white, or orange petals.

Scientific Classification

• Jonquils belong to the Narcissus jonquilla species, while daffodils refer to the broader Narcissus genus that includes many different species.

Leaves

• Jonquils have long, slender, reed-like leaves, whereas daffodils usually have flatter, broader leaves.

Flowers

• Jonquils often have clusters of up to five small, fragrant flowers per stem, while daffodils typically have one larger bloom per stem.

Fragrance

• Jonquils are known for their strong, sweet scent, while most daffodils have little or no fragrance.

FAQ: Jonquils and Daffodils

1. Are daffodils and jonquils the same?

No, daffodils and jonquils are not exactly the same. Jonquils are one specific type of daffodil with thinner leaves and clusters of small, fragrant yellow flowers.

2. Can daffodils turn into jonquils?

Daffodils cannot turn into jonquils. Jonquils are just one specific type of daffodil, so while they are related, one cannot change into the other.

3. What is another name for a jonquil?

Another name for a jonquil is the rush daffodil. It gets this name because of its long, thin, rush-like leaves that look similar to reeds.

4. Why can’t you put tulips and daffodils together?

You shouldn’t put tulips and daffodils together because daffodils release a sap that can block water uptake in tulips, causing them to wilt and die faster.

Reference:

1. “All About Daffodils.” Longfield Gardens.

2. “Narcissus Jonquilla.” Wikipedia. Wikipedia Foundation.

Image Courtesy:

1. “Jonquils” By Liam Dunn – originally posted to Flickr as Close-up of Jonquils (CC BY 2.0) via Commons Wikimedia

2. “Daffodils (21255839472)” By Bernard Spragg. NZ from Christchurch, New Zealand – Daffodils (CC0) via Commons Wikimedia