What is the Difference Between Narcissus and Daffodil

‘Narcissus’ and ‘daffodil’ are two common names for the genus Narcissus, which predominantly contains spring perennial plants of the amaryllis family. Moreover, narcissus is the Latin name or the botanical name for the genus while daffodil is the English name or the official common name for the same genus. However, there is no significant difference between narcissus and daffodil.  

Jonquil is another name for the same genus. In general, this genus contains conspicuous flowers with six petal-like tepals surmounted by a cup- or trumpet-shaped corona. The color of the flowers can be either white or yellow. Sometimes, orange and pink colors can also occur in garden varieties. In addition, the color of the tepals and corona can be either uniform or contrasting. Furthermore, the genus was well known botanically and medicinally in ancient civilization. 

Key Areas Covered 

1. Narcissus
     – Definition, Characteristics, Importance
2. Daffodil
     – Significance
3. What are the Similarities Between Narcissus and Daffodil
      – Outline of Common Features
4. What is the Difference Between Narcissus and Daffodil
      – Comparison of Key Differences

Key Terms 

Bulbs, Daffodil, Narcissus, Tepals 

Narcissus – Definition, Characteristics, Importance 

Narcissus is a common name for the genus Narcissus, which mainly contains perennial plants of the family Amaryllidaceae. The other common names for the same genus include daffodil and jonquil. Furthermore, jonquil is used to describe a specific type of daffodil. Basically, it contains dark green leaves and clusters of several small and fragrant flowers. 

Figure 1: Narcissus Bulb with Shoot and Roots

Furthermore, daffodil bears big, showy, familiar bulbs, which bloom into single, large, trumpet-shaped flowers in the spring with flat, strappy leaves. In addition, paperwhite is another type of daffodils, referring to the miniature white holiday blooms of Narcissus tazetta papyraceous.

Daffodil – Significance 

Daffodil is another common name for the genus Narcissus. More often, it is the official common name for this genus.

Figure 2: Narcissus Flower, Showing Outer White Tepals with a Central Yellow Corona

Therefore, there is no difference between narcissus and daffodil. Moreover, many confuse daffodils with buttercup, which is a totally different flower (Ranunculus sp.), mainly consisting of a herbaceous perennial with small yellow or white flowers with five separate petals.  

Similarities Between Narcissus and Daffodil  

• Narcissus and daffodil are two common names for the genus ‘Narcissus’.  
• Both have six petal-like tepals, mainly with white and yellow tepals.  
• Moreover,  the tepals are surmounted by a cup- or trumpet-shaped corona, which have either a uniform or contrasting colors.  
• They are native to southern  Europe and North Africa.  
• In  addition, they have both botanical and medicinal importance. 

Difference Between Narcissus and Daffodil  

• Narcissus and daffodil are two common names for the same genus Narcissus.  Therefore, there is no significant difference between narcissus and daffodil. 

Conclusion 

In brief, narcissus and daffodil are two common names along with ‘jonquil’ to the same genus Narcissus. Generally, they are native to southern Europe and North Africa. They also have six tepals surmounted by a cup-shaped corona. In addition, flower colors can be mainly white and yellow. Thus, there is no difference between the narcissus and daffodil. 

References:

1. Savonen, Carol. “Daffodils, Narcissus: What’s the Difference?” Statesman Journal, Statesman Journal, 17 Mar. 2016, Available Here.

Image Courtesy:

1. “One daffodil bulb” By Dvortygirl – Own work (CC BY-SA 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia   
2. “A Perfect Pair Daffodills (Narcissus) – 8” By Photograph taken by and (c)2007 Johnathan J. Stegeman (Midimacman) – Own work (GFDL 1.2) via Commons Wikimedia