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Narcissus by any other name....

By
Real Estate Agent with RE/MAX Concepts

Might be called daffodil! Who knows exactly why this colorful spring flower got its from the mythical greek figure Narcissus, who, as legend has it, became so entranced by staring at the reflection of himself in a pool of water that he died of starvation.

What we do know here in Iowa is that when we see narcissi spring up in flower beds and hillsides, warmer weather is just around the corner. There are two varieties that are quite prevalent in this area in the spring, the white flowers with a yellow cornona, or trumpet, at right, and an all yellow variet, show below.

While in the west the flower carries the connotations of vanity, in the east it carries the symbolism of wealth and prosperity.

It is not a good idea to eat them however, as they contain an alkaloid which is poisonous, but they do make for great spring time photo shoots.

I caught these daffodils in my front yard. My wife had the good sense years ago to plant the bulbs and we've been enjoying their arrival and the message they herald ever since. So, go outside and enjoy some daffodils today!

Comments(7)

John Thomas
E3 Green HOMES - Boulder, CO
EcoBroker, MSEE, MBA

The flowers look great...Where I grew up in Memphis Tennessee we called them butter cups!

Apr 07, 2010 10:47 AM
Mary Strang
Viroqua, WI

I just saw some daffodils at a listing I was re-photographing today, (getting rid of the snow photos on those homes which haven't sold yet). A nice group was planted and a few of the flowers were trying really hard to open up today but the weather is not quite yet ready here in Wisconsin.

Apr 07, 2010 11:56 AM
Matt Grohe
RE/MAX Concepts - Des Moines, IA
Serving the metro since 2003

Narcissus blooming,

Your petals our souls delight.

Harking warmer times.

Apr 07, 2010 01:36 PM
Michele Reneau
Certified Staging Professional (CSP) Elite Instructor - Summerville, SC
Realtor, GRI ~ Charleston, SC Relocation Experts Team

I always love daffodils. They seem to be one of the first signs of spring. They also seem to welcome you home. My 2nd favorite is the hibiscus bush in bloom.

Apr 09, 2010 10:31 PM
Jo-Anne Smith
Oakville, ON

hi Matt,

They're very beautiful! We have some in our front yard too...just starting to bloom now.

Jo

Apr 10, 2010 09:03 AM
Charles Stallions
Charles Stallions Real Estate Services - Pensacola, FL
850-476-4494 - Pensacola, Pace or Gulf Breeze, Fl.

We enjoy them here as well and they grow sort of wild in our yard. We planned it that way, we mow the lawn before they arrive and that way we can enjoy them and not cut again to they die down.

Apr 10, 2010 09:43 AM
Russel Ray, San Diego Business & Marketing Consultant & Photographer
Russel Ray - San Diego State University, CA

We don't have too many daffodils out this way except in the grocery store for sale each year. Does that count? LOL.

Apr 10, 2010 02:15 PM