Daffodil is a common English name, sometimes used now for all narcissus. Narcissus is the botanic synonym for a genus of hardy, mostly spring-flowering, bulbs. Several Narcissus species bloom in the autumn. They are mostly native to the Mediterranean region, but a few species are also found through Central Asia to China. The range of forms in cultivation has been vastly modified and extended, with new variations available in nurseries almost every year.
The name Daffodil is taken from an earlier "Affodell", a variant of Asphodel. The reason for the introduction of the initial "d" is not known, although a probably because it is an etymological merging from the Dutch article "de," as in "De affodil."
The Daffodil normally has a yellow color but the corona can produce contrasting color such as that of a slice of lime. Some professional breeders have newly developed some daffodils with a double or triple row of petals, making them resemble a small golden ball. Other cultivars have frilled petals or compressed central corona.
The daffodil is considered the national flower of Wales. In Wales it is traditional to wear a daffodil on Saint David's Day falling on March 1.In some countries the yellow variation is also associated with Easter. The flower is the most common decoration flower during Chinese New Year.
Different Cancer Societies around the world use the daffodil as fundraising symbol. "Daffodil Days" are organized to raise funds by offering the flowers in return for a donation.