The Daffodil is March's Birth Flower

Everyone knows that they have a specific birthstone that is placed in jewelry and trinkets to signify the month they were born in. However, many people don't know that just like the stones, each month has a flower or two as well, which symbolizes birth. Here is the history and meaning behind your birth flower.

March: Daffodil
Alternate: Jonquil

The Daffodil, with the botanic name of Narcissus, is a mostly spring flowering bulb, however, there are some species of Narcissus which bloom in the fall. The Daffodil is mostly found growing in the Mediterranean but there are a few species found throughout Asia and China.

The Daffodil was originally called an Affodell. No one is sure why the name was changed but there is proof that as early as the 16th Century playful names for the Daffodil like "Daffadown Dilly" or "daffadowndilly" had appeared.

The traditional Daffodil is a ring of light golden petals with a trumpet shaped center of a darker contrasting shade of gold/yellow. Cultivators have changed the flower for some nurseries giving it several layers of petals, instead of the original one, sometimes making the flower look like a little golden ball.

The Daffodil is used prominently for decorating during the Chinese New Year in both China and festivals celebrating this holiday around the world. The Daffodil is also the flower of Wales, where a small area of Tenby grows their own, unique variation. St. David's Day is celebrated in Wales on March 1st and Daffodils are often worn for that holiday.

Fun and interesting fact: Daffodils are poisonous and can be harmful or deadly if eaten, unlike the Violet.