As someone who spends a lot of time in gardens, I’ve noticed folks often mix up daffodils, jonquils, and buttercups. They’re all yellow spring bloomers, but each has its own unique traits. In my experience, knowing the difference can be surprisingly useful.
Let’s clear up the confusion and explore what sets these sunny flowers apart. By the end, you’ll be able to identify each one like a pro – a skill that comes in handy more often than you might think in my line of work.
What’s the Difference Between Daffodils, Jonquils, and Buttercups?
Comparison Overview
| Comparison | Similarities | Differences |
| Daffodils vs. Jonquils | Both flowers are part of the genus narcissus. All jonquils are daffodils. They are easy to grow and adaptable. Have a corona or cup-shaped center. | Not all daffodils are jonquils. Jonquils are a specific division of the daffodil family. |
| Daffodils vs. Buttercups | Yellow perennial flowers. Easy to grow and adaptable. Toxic to humans and animals. | Not the same family/genus of flower. |
Are Narcissus and Daffodils the Same Thing?
Before discovering the difference between daffodils and jonquils, you need to familiarize yourself with the flowers’ families.
Narcissus is a genus of flowering bulbs that bloom from March through May. These perennial flowers are easy to grow and return year after year, making them excellent for novice gardeners.
The narcissus is the parent plant of over 50 flower species. Within those species are thousands of flowers.
According to the American Daffodil Society, “narcissus is the Latin botanical name for all daffodils.” The terms narcissus and daffodil are often used interchangeably, with daffodil as the non-scientific name.
In this sense, daffodils and narcissi are the same. However, if you hear someone purposefully use “narcissus” instead of “daffodil,” they probably refer to the Mediterranean paperwhite narcissus. This popular holiday flower can be grown indoors in the fall and winter months.
What Is a Daffodil?
Some people refer to daffodils as trumpet narcissi because of the flower’s long tube-like bloom. While all members of the narcissus genus are daffodils, the most common daffodil variety is the trumpet-shaped plant popping up at the beginning of spring.
Daffodils proliferate from bulbs and are adaptable to various environments. The flowers are so popular because of their versatility and ability to stave off hungry animals. Daffodil bulbs are poisonous, so rabbits, deer, and squirrels won’t snack on them.
Types of Daffodils
There are 13 divisions of daffodils used to describe these spring beauties. The species are divided based on cup shape, petal length, and bloom count.
| Division | Name | Characteristics |
| 1 | Trumpet Daffodil | One bloom per stem Corona is longer than the petals |
| 2 | Large-Cupped Daffodil | Cup measures more than one-third of the length of petals One flower per stem |
| 3 | Small-Cupped Daffodil | Cup smaller than one-third of the petals’ measurements One bloom per stem |
| 4 | Double Daffodil | Bloom is a cluster of cups and petals Can be multiple flowers per stem |
| 5 | Triandrus Daffodils | Blooms that hang down like bells Two or more blooms per stem |
| 6 | Cyclamineus Daffodil | Bloom has a windblown appearance with petals swept backward One bloom per stem |
| 7 | Jonquilla Daffodil | Narrow leaves Strong fragrance 1-3 small, flat-petaled blooms per stem |
| 8 | Tazetta Daffodil | Cluster of three or more florets to a stem Thick leaves and stemFragrant blooms |
| 9 | Poeticus Daffodil | Bright, white flowers with small, crinkled cup Green center with yellow and red rim One bloom per stem |
| 10 | Bulbocodium Hybrid | Small petals with “hoop petticoat” cup |
| 11 | Split-Cupped Daffodil | Cups are split to resemble a second layer of petals |
| 12 | Miscellaneous Daffodil | Qualities don’t fit into other 11 divisions Often hybrids |
| 13 | Wild Hybrid | Wild, naturally growing daffodil variants |
What Is a Jonquil?
Jonquils, scientifically called Narcissus jonquilla, belong to Division seven of the narcissus family. A rule of thumb to remember is that all jonquils are daffodils, but not all daffodils are jonquils.
Some people refer to yellow daffodils as jonquils, but this isn’t always correct.
Jonquils are typically characterized by a robust, perfumey smell, multiple flowers, and rush-like leaves. In fact, jonquils get their name from the genus Juncaceae, which includes plants called rushes that have grass-like leaf blades.
You should plant jonquils in the fall to bloom by late spring. Like other daffodil varieties, jonquils are relatively easy to grow and will come back each year in the right conditions.
Jonquil Varieties
Like the other daffodil divisions, the jonquil has a number of cultivars that have developed over time through selective breeding.
While each cultivar’s characteristics vary in some way, they’ve all inherited some or all of the following common jonquil traits:
- Between 8-18 inches tall
- Multiple blooms per stem
- Short cup with ray florets
- Dark green, rush-like leaves
- Strong fragrance
Here are some popular jonquils you might see throughout springtime:
| Cultivar | Description |
| Trevithian | Light yellow, fragrant blooms 2–3 flowers per stem |
| Silver Smiles | Mid-season bloomer White petals with a light yellow cup |
| Sweetness | Bold yellow blooms Can grow to over a foot tall Fragrant early bloomer |
| Quail | Deep, bronzey blooms 2–4 flowers per stem |
| Pueblo | White petals with a pale yellow cup Mid-season bloomer |
| Pipit | Fragrant, yellow petals with a pale white cup 2–3 blooms per stem |
| Bell Song | Miniature daffodil variety 2–3 blooms per stem, Ivory petals with a pale pink or yellow cup |
| Baby Moon | Miniature daffodil variety Fragrant, late-season jonquil Deep yellow blooms |
What Is a Buttercup?
The buttercup is a flowering plant member of the Ranunculus genus. Buttercups are sometimes confused with daffodils because of their bright blooms, but they’re different flowers.
The buttercup is a herbaceous perennial flower with five separate petals. Buttercups take root during the winter months and blossom in spring, filling fields with lovely, vivid blooms.
Some gardeners don’t mind these wildflowers growing in their plant beds. But farmers and livestock owners think the buttercup is a bothersome, harmful weed. Like daffodils, the buttercup is toxic to animals and can cause internal blisters, diarrhea, and vomiting if consumed.
Buttercup Varieties
Buttercups come in many varieties and cultivars, all with different defining characteristics. The blooms are most commonly yellow but can also be orange, pink, red, white, or green, depending on the species.
The Ranunculus genus has about 300 species of buttercups, so I won’t list them all. However, I’ve listed some common varieties to show how different types of buttercups look and grow.
| Species | Description |
| Meadow buttercup | Vivid yellow blooms with five petals Bloom from May to October |
| Persian buttercup | Used in gardens as perennials Wide range of bloom colors, including gold, red, pink, white, and purple |
| Bulbous buttercup | Considered a common weed Yellow blooms with five petals |
| California buttercup | Deep yellow flowers with a glossy sheen 9–17 petals |
| Marsh marigold | Yellow, five-petaled blooms Grow in ponds, swamps, and ditches Large scalloped leaves |
| Creeping buttercup | Most common and familiar form of buttercup Bloom between May and August Yellow flowers that bloom from long, running stems |
| Lesser spearwort | Grow in freshwater habitats Yellow blooms and spear-like leaves |
Which Flower is the Best Choice for My Garden?
Daffodils
Daffodil flowers are excellent for homeowners seeking to brighten up their natural areas with little to no effort.
Daffodils are often naturalized in garden settings. To naturalize a plant means to place the flower bulbs in an informal pattern that appears to have grown naturally. You could start your daffodil patch by throwing a handful of bulbs and planting them where they fall.
Daffodils are suitable for naturalizing because they come back year after year with little landscaping effort from the gardener. Not only will daffodils return, but their bulbs will split and produce more flowers each spring.
Plant bulbs in an area with nutritious, well-draining soil and full sun exposure to give them the best chance of naturalization. Then, stand back and watch these harbingers of spring flourish.
Buttercups
Buttercups are a less popular choice for home gardens because they’re often considered pernicious weeds. According to this weed identification guide, the creeping buttercup variety “depletes potassium in the soil” and “can have a detrimental effect on surrounding plants.”
However, some buttercup varieties fare well in gardens and bouquets.
The Persian buttercup is a garden variety known for its wide range of brilliant colors. These flowers grow well in pots and flower beds with good drainage and a sunny yet cool surrounding climate.
Plant Hardiness Zones
If you’re unsure if daffodils, jonquils, and buttercups will thrive in your garden, you can determine your region’s suitability using the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map.
This resource helps “gardeners and growers determine which plants are most likely to thrive at a location.” It’s handy for homeowners who have moved to a new region or are trying to expand the range of their gardens.
| Plant | Hardiness Zone |
| Paperwhite narcissus | 8-11 |
| Daffodil | 4-8 |
| Jonquil | 5-9 |
| Buttercup | 5-11 |
Do You Call Them Jonquins or Daffodils?
The naming of these springtime flowers can be a source of confusion, and often, the terms used depend on regional dialects and local traditions. Here’s a breakdown of the naming conventions:
- Scientific Accuracy: Botanically speaking, “daffodil” is the common name for all members of the genus Narcissus. Jonquils are a specific type of daffodil, belonging to Narcissus jonquilla and related hybrids.
- Regional Variations:
- In some parts of the United States, particularly in the South, people tend to use “jonquil” as a catch-all term for all yellow daffodils, regardless of their specific classification.
- In other regions, “daffodil” is the preferred general term, with “jonquil” reserved for the specific varieties with multiple small, fragrant flowers.
- Historical Usage: The term “jonquil” comes from the Spanish “junquillo,” meaning “rush,” referring to the rush-like leaves of this species. This term has been in use since the 17th century.
- Horticultural Circles: Among gardeners and horticulturists, the distinction is usually maintained. They use “jonquil” specifically for flowers in Division 7 of the daffodil classification system.
- Common Usage: For many people, especially those not deeply involved in gardening, the terms are often used interchangeably, with “daffodil” being more widely recognized.
- Cultural References: In literature and popular culture, “daffodil” is more commonly used, which may influence general public usage.
Remember, while it’s good to know the technical differences, in everyday conversation, both terms are widely understood to refer to these cheerful spring flowers. The most important thing is appreciating their beauty, regardless of what you call them!
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, daffodils can grow successfully in pots. Here are some tips:
- Use a pot at least six inches deep with drainage holes.
- Plant bulbs in fall, about six weeks before the first frost.
- Use wdrainedning potting soil.
- Plant bulbs about 3–4 inches deep and 2–3 inches apart.
- Water thoroughly after planting and maintain moisture.
- Keep the pot in a cool place until spring, then move to a sunny spot.
This is actually a common misconception. Southerners don’t typically call daffodils buttercups – these are two distinct flowers. However, in some southern regions, people may use “jonquil” as a catch-all term for yellow daffodils.
The confusion might arise because both buttercups and daffodils are yellow spring flowers. It’s important to note that buttercups belong to the genus Ranunculus, while daffodils are part of the Narcissus genus.
After the jonquils bloom:
- Deadhead spent flowers, but left the foliage.
- Allow leaves to yellow and die back naturally (about six weeks). This process replenishes the bulb’s energy for next year.
- Once the foliage is completely yellow, cut it off at ground level.
- If planted in the ground, leave bulbs in place for next year.
- For potted jonquils, you can either leave them in the pot or store the bulbs in a cool, dry place until fall replanting.
Jonquil blooms typically last about 2 to 3 weeks, depending on the variety and weather conditions. Cooler temperatures can extend bloom time. To maximize bloom duration:
- Plant in a spot protected from strong winds.
- Deadhead spent flowers promptly.
- Provide adequate water during the blooming period.
The best time to plant daffodils and jonquils for spring blooming is in the fall, about 2 to 4 weeks before the ground freezes. This usually means:
- September to October in colder climates (Zones 3–5)
- October to early November in warmer areas (Zones 6-8)
- November to early December in the South (Zones 8–9)
Planting in the fall gives the bulbs time to establish roots before winter dormancy, ensuring they’re ready to grow and bloom when spring arrives.
Final Thoughts
Now that you know the difference between daffodils, jonquils, and buttercups, you can plan your perfect spring garden.
You can brighten your kitchen table with a vase of daffodils, which make lovely, long-lasting cut flowers. You can also mix different narcissus bulbs in your natural area and see which beautiful varieties pop up.
No matter which perennials you like best, you’ll now be able to point them out in any roadside plot, home garden, or rolling meadow.
