The Jonquil
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: Jonquil
Alternate: Daffodil
The Jonquil is another name for the Daffodil
which has the botanic name of Narcissus, however
referring to these flowers as Jonquils is normally only done in
North America. Technically speaking, the name Jonquil should
only refer to the variation called Narcissus jonquilla
and cultivars derived directly from that variation.
The traditional Jonquil 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 Jonquil is used prominently for
decorating during the Chinese New Year in both China and
festivals celebrating this holiday around the world. The
Jonquil, is referred to as the Daffodil in Wales and is
considered to be 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: Jonquills
are poisonous and can be harmful or deadly if eaten, unlike the
Violet.