Is There Really a Difference Between Jonquils and Daffodils? Here's What to Know

Daffodils and jonquils look alike, but they're different plants

The terms “jonquil” and “daffodil” are often used interchangeably to refer to popular, spring-blooming bulbs with distinct yellow flowers.

While daffodils and jonquils both belong to the Narcissus genus, they’re different plants with different care requirements.

Jonquils typically have multiple, yellow flowers per stem, whereas daffodils only have one bloom and come in many colors. This is usually the easiest way to tell them apart, as well as their leaves: jonquil has rounded leaves while daffodils have wide, sword-shaped leaves.

Discover which bulb type will grow best in your garden and learn the differences between jonquil vs. daffodil plants with these simple tips.

About Narcissus Plants

Narcissus plants are native to the Mediterranean region, but today, they can be found throughout the globe. Most narcissus plants are long-lived perennials that grow from bulbs and bloom in spring, although their flower color, shape, and size can vary.

These plants look best when planted in drifts or groups, but also work beautifully in cut flower arrangements. Even better, most narcissi are naturally pest-resistant, yet highly attractive to pollinators like bumblebees and monarch butterflies.

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The Difference Between Daffodil, Jonquil, and Narcissus

Narcissus plants are typically divided into 13 divisions or groups based on their flower shape and other features. Jonquil (Narcissus jonquilla) is one of these plant divisions, while the plant we know as “daffodil” falls into several divisions based on its flower shape and size.

Because all jonquils and daffodils are technically narcissi, you can always refer to jonquils or daffodils as “narcissus” plants if you’re ever in doubt about properly identifying them.

If you’d like to be more exact with your plant ID, there are certain ways to tell daffodils and jonquils apart.

Characteristics of Daffodil vs. Jonquil

Much of the confusion surrounding daffodils and jonquils stems from the fact that these plants look alike and have similar care needs. However, these spring bloomers have slightly different features.

Daffodils are usually larger than jonquils with bigger flowers that come in an assortment of colors. Each daffodil stem typically supports a single, lightly scented flower, and daffodil leaves are broad, flat, and taper towards the ends like the tip of a sword.

Beyond that, daffodils are particularly cold-hardy and can be grown in USDA growing zones 3 through 8.

Jonquils, on the other hand, are usually smaller than daffodils with shorter “coronas” or trumpets at the center of the flower. Each jonquil stem can produce between 1 and 5 flowers, which come in just one color: a bright, golden yellow.

Jonquil blooms are richly fragrant with a hint of a honey-like aroma. These plants aren’t as cold-hardy as daffodils and they only grow perennially in USDA zones 8 and up.

Which One Is Right for You?

Whether you grow daffodils or jonquils will be heavily influenced by your growing zone.

If you live in a cold climate, daffodils are your best bet, while jonquils are better suited for warm areas. If you have an unknown narcissus plant growing in your garden, your growing zone can help you determine what type of plant you have.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are jonquils and daffodils the same?

No, daffodils and jonquils are not the same plant, although they are closely related! Jonquils and daffodils both below to the Narcissus genus and they have a similar appearance and growing needs. Jonquils are smaller plants with a stronger fragrance, but daffodils are more cold hardy and they come in a wider range of colors.

Can daffodils turn into jonquils?

No, daffodils will not turn into jonquils. Daffodils and jonquils are actually two different plants, both within the Narcissus plant genus.

What's the difference between daffodil and Narcissus?

Technically, you can refer to a daffodil as either a “daffodil” or a “narcissus.”  Daffodils belong within the Narcissus plant genus, which also includes paperwhites and jonquils. Put another way, all daffodils are narcissus, but not all narcissus are daffodils!

Read the original article on The Spruce.