Expert Home Improvement Advice
How To • Videos • Lawn & Garden • DIY • Articles
Common daffodils have single blossoms and flat, strappy leaves.
“Throughout my life, I’ve heard those yellow spring bulbs referred to as daffodils, jonquils, narcissus, and buttercups. Is there a difference, or are they all names for the same plant?” -Shelley
In different regions, you will hear all four terms – sometimes incorrectly – used to refer to the happy yellow flowers that lead the way for spring. There are some differences, though. Here’s a guide to help you name your plants correctly:
- Narcissus: The term narcissus (Narcissus sp.) refers to a genus of bulbs that includes hundreds of species and literally tens of thousands of cultivars! The Narcissus genus includes daffodils, jonquils, and paperwhites, among many others, so when in doubt, this is the term to use. However, when someone says “Narcissus,” they’re usually referring to the miniature white holiday blooms of Narcissus tazetta papyraceous, known as paperwhites.
Paperwhite Narcissus
Daffodil
- Daffodil: This is the official common name for ANY of the plants that fall into the genus Narcissus. So, if the plant is considered a Narcissus, it is also considered a daffodil as well. However, most people use the term “daffodil” when referring to the large, trumpet-shaped flowers of the Narcissus pseudonarcissus. These are those big, showy, familiar bulbs that bloom in spring that we all know and love.
Jonquil
- Jonquil: This term actually refers to a specific type of daffodil known as Narcissus jonquilla, although the name is often used as a more general term for daffodils in certain parts of the country. They are most easily identified by their dark green, tube-shaped leaves as compared to other types of daffodils which have flat leaves. Jonquils also tend to have clusters of several flowers, instead of just one bloom, along with a strong scent.
Buttercup
- Buttercup: This is actually an incorrect term when referring to daffodils or Narcissus bulbs of any kind. Buttercups are a totally different flower (Ranunculus sp.) that consist of an herbaceous perennial (that can also be an annual) that has small yellow or white flowers with five separate petals. Buttercups also flower in the spring, though they may continue to bloom throughout the summer.
Further Information
For more information, go to the American Daffodil Society website.
Individual profiles of each type of plant can be found on the U.S. Department of Agriculture website:
- Common Daffodil (Narcissus pseudonarcissus)
- Jonquil (Narcissus jonquilla)
- Paperwhite Narcissus (Narcissus tazetta papyraceous)
- Buttercup (Ranunculus sp.)
Please Leave a Comment
15 Comments on “What’s the Difference Between Daffodils, Jonquils, and Buttercups?”
You can follow comments to this article by subscribing to the RSS news feed with your favorite feed reader.
We want to hear from you! In addition to posting comments on articles and videos, you can also send your comments and questions to us on our contact page or at (800) 946-4420. While we can't answer them all, we may use your question on our Today's Homeowner radio or TV show, or online at todayshomeowner.com.
March 25th, 2011 at 5:59 pm
Have always wondered what the difference between the jonquil and daffodil was, thanks, now I know, and can pass it on to others who want to know.
August 29th, 2011 at 1:32 am
Julie
How can you tell the difference between a jonquil and a daffodil bulb when there is no foliage?
Sheryl
March 7th, 2012 at 1:54 pm
This is the best explanation I’ve seen about the differences between DAFFODILS and JONQUILS. Thank you.
March 10th, 2012 at 4:01 pm
Thank you for your thorough explanation with photos. I have been calling my little flower out front jonquils when they came up this year, but I decided to look for a sure answer. You answer did it — and they ARE jonquils. They are not daffodils!! Now I know for sure!!
March 15th, 2012 at 1:35 pm
Thank you! This was very helpful in a debate. Many Tennessee folks refer to jonquil as buttercups and I (former Michigander) was sure they were daffodil. I take a small comfort in knowing at least I was within the species!
March 17th, 2012 at 5:21 pm
Thanks.
April 8th, 2012 at 9:53 pm
My daffodils did not bloom this year. What do I do?
Mike
April 24th, 2012 at 8:10 am
this is probably the fifth or sixth time over the past few years that i tried to learn the difference and it the first time i have been satisfied with the results
thanks!
May 6th, 2012 at 1:07 pm
Hi, I was wondering why my Buttercups didn’t bloom this year. Even in the past few years they haven’t bloomed very well. Also, I was wondering if it is a good idea to plant Hyacinths and Gladiolus together? And if it is,is there a planting arrangement you could give me. I am a first-timer in the gardening business and I need help. lol
Marcia
March 27th, 2013 at 9:52 am
I have been calling daffodils jonquils for the longest time. I never knew that a single flower was the daffodil and multi-flowers is a jonquil. Hope I got that right. Thanks for the information!!!!!
February 17th, 2015 at 6:52 am
Thank you so much for helping me identify the early spring flowers I found blooming at our new home in western NC. They are a beautiful and pleasant surprise! After moving in December, I’m sure we’ll find many more perinials as the weather changes. We are currently having an extremely cold snap with snow and temps dropping to the single digits over the next week!! Is there anything I can do to protect these early bloomers from the bitter cold and snow? I appreciate your guidance!
March 6th, 2015 at 7:06 pm
I have enjoyed your article so much! Thank you for breaking it down the way you did. Jonquils are my favorites, followed almost at a tie by Double Daffodils that my little brother dubbed “Butter and Egg” flowers when we were young. I’m sharing your link on my latest blog post at http://www.cindychandlerpye.com/blog so others can enjoy your article.
Ben Erickson Says:March 7th, 2015 at 9:36 am
Cindy,
Thanks! Glad you enjoyed our article.
April 20th, 2015 at 2:11 pm
My jonquils (they are!) have traveled. Each time they moved
they left “children” behind:
Louisville, KY: ?? – 1943 & on
St. Matthews, KY: 1943 – 1967 and on…
Macedonia, OH; 1967 – 1980 and on …
Macedonia, OH (house #2) 1980 thru now….
Three moves and 72yrs of history.
John
April 20th, 2015 at 2:18 pm
I have transplanted jonquils from old house sites in the country to my house. They were yellow at the old site but they are coming up white at my house. Can you explain this please?