Understanding Daffodil Divisions
Learn to Appreciate a Diverse Genus of Early Blooming Flowers
Mar 26, 2009
Botanically known as Narcissi, commonly known as daffodils, these springtime flowers are among the most cost-effective, trouble-free, and enduring perennials.
Daffodils (genus Narcissus) are among the earliest flowers to erupt each spring. Many homeowners who enjoy a splash of color as winter departs have tucked a few daffodil bulbs into their landscape.
The plethora of available daffodil varieties can be overwhelming to someone who is not familiar with Narcissus classification. Although an intimate understanding of this categorization is not essential for enjoying daffodils, a basic grasp of the system can sweeten one’s appreciation for these trouble-free and enduring perennials.
In order to make sense of Narcissus classification, it helps to understand daffodil anatomy.
Daffodil Structure
- Foliage: the leaves of most daffodils are blade-shaped and robust
- Stem: most are ridged and upright; jonquils have rounded and smooth stems
- Spathe: a protective sheath that surrounds the flower until it opens
- Pedicle: a short, neck-like extension of the stem that supports the flower
- Petals: daffodils normally have six petals which are collectively known as the perianth
- Corona: a central, trumpet-like tube surrounded by the perianth; it may be frilled or divided in split-corona and double daffodils. Usually the most colorful part of the flower
- Pistil: the female organ of the flower, consisting of:
- Seedpod (ovary): forms the base of the flower; a three-chambered swelling that expands as the enclosed seeds enlarge
- Stigma: the pollen-receiving tip of the pistil
- Style: the stalk of the pistil; transports pollen grains from the stigma to the seedpod
- Stamen: the male organ of the flower, consisting of:
- Anther: the pollen-producing structure of the flower
- Filament: a thin stalk that supports the anther
Daffodil classification is based upon the shape of a given cultivar and its lineage. The American Daffodil Society has divided daffodils into thirteen divisions:
- Division 1—Trumpet: One flower to a stem; the cup or corona is as long or longer than the perianth segments (Examples: Dutch Master, Spellbinder)
- Division 2—Large Cup: One flower to a stem; corona or cup more than one-third but less than equal to the length of the perianth or petals (Carlton, Fragrant Rose)
- Division 3—Small Cup: One flower to a stem; cup or corona not more than one-third the length of the perianth segments (Angel, Barrett Browning)
- Division 4—Double: One or more flowers to a stem, with doubling of the perianth segments or the corona or both (Bridal Crown, Manly)
- Division 5—Triandrus: Usually two or more pendent flowers to a stem; perianth segments reflexed (bent backward) (Petrel, Puppet)
- Division 6—Cyclamineus: One flower to a stem; perianth segments significantly reflexed; flower at an acute angle to the stem, with a very short pedicle or neck (February Gold, Rapture)
- Division 7—Jonquilla: One to five flowers to a stem; perianth segments spreading or reflexed; flowers usually fragrant (Curlew, Fruit Cup)
- Division 8—Tazetta: Usually three to twenty flowers to a stout stem; leaves broad; perianth segments spreading, not reflexed; flowers fragrant (Avalanche, Falconet)
- Division 9—Poeticus: Usually one flower to a stem; perianth segments pure white; corona or cup usually disc-shaped, with a green or yellow center and red rim; flowers fragrant (Actaea, Felindre)
- Division 10—Bulbocodium: Usually one flower to a stem; perianth segments insignificant compared with corona; filament and style are usually curved (Kenellis)
- Division 11—Split Corona: Corona split—usually for more than half its length. Further subdivided into Divisions 11A and 11B, depending on how corona segments are arranged against the petals (Cum Laude, Trepolo)
- Division 12—Others: Cultivars which do not fit the definition of any other division (Mesa Verde)
- Division 13—Distinguished Solely by Botanical Name: All species and wild or reputedly wild variants and hybrids (N. obvallaris, N. x medioluteus)
The copyright of the article Understanding Daffodil Divisions in Bulbs is owned by Stephen Allen Christensen. Permission to republish Understanding Daffodil Divisions in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
 |
