March Birth Flower: Daffodil and Jonquil Meaning & Symbolism

Nothing announces the arrival of spring quite like a field of nodding golden daffodils, which is exactly why the daffodil is the birth flower for March. Closely related to it is the jonquil, a fragrant member of the same Narcissus family that is often mentioned alongside the daffodil as a March flower. Both blooms burst into color just as the days lengthen, carrying meanings of renewal, hope, and new beginnings that perfectly match the transition from winter to spring.

What Is the Birth Flower for March?

The birth flower for March is the daffodil (Narcissus), with the jonquil (Narcissus jonquilla) frequently named as a closely associated March flower. All daffodils belong to the genus Narcissus, and the jonquil is one particular species within that genus, prized for its clusters of small, intensely fragrant yellow flowers. Because they are so closely related, lists sometimes present them together rather than as fully separate primary and secondary flowers.

January birth flowers: pink carnations and white snowdrops

The Primary March Birth Flower: The Daffodil

The daffodil is a hardy spring bulb with a distinctive trumpet-shaped corona surrounded by a ring of petals. Its bright, cheerful appearance and reliable early flowering have made it one of the most beloved symbols of spring across the Northern Hemisphere. The scientific name Narcissus ties the flower to Greek mythology and the youth who fell in love with his own reflection.

As Marchu2019s birth flower, the daffodil symbolizes rebirth, renewal, and new beginnings, reflecting its role as one of the first bulbs to bloom after winter. It is also widely associated with hope and, in many cultures, good fortune, especially when given as a bunch rather than a single stem.

Daffodil Meaning and Symbolism

The daffodil carries a hopeful, forward-looking symbolism. Its emergence at winteru2019s end links it to resilience and fresh starts, and it has become an emblem of encouragement and renewal. There is also a charming piece of flower lore suggesting that giving a single daffodil can foretell misfortune, while a full bunch brings joy and good luck, so daffodils are traditionally given in generous handfuls.

The Secondary March Flower: The Jonquil

The jonquil is a species of narcissus known for its rush-like leaves and clusters of small, powerfully scented yellow flowers. Its name comes from the Spanish junquillo, derived from the Latin for reed, referring to its slender foliage. While all jonquils are narcissi, not all daffodils are jonquils, which is why the two names are used with care by gardeners.

As a March flower, the jonquil carries meanings of desire, affection, and the wish for love to be returned. Its rich fragrance and warm color make it a favorite in early spring gardens, and it deepens the daffodilu2019s message of renewal with an added note of tenderness and yearning.

What Does the March Birth Flower Symbolize?

The daffodil and jonquil together speak to the spirit of early spring: rebirth, hope, and the promise that brighter days are coming. The daffodil emphasizes renewal and good fortune, while the jonquil adds warmth, desire, and affection. For a March birthday, this combination suggests optimism and fresh starts paired with heartfelt feeling.

Daffodil Color Meanings

Daffodils appear in a surprising range of shades beyond the classic yellow, and color can shade their meaning:

Yellow daffodils represent joy, energy, and new beginnings.
White daffodils suggest purity and elegance.
Orange-cupped daffodils convey warmth and enthusiasm.
Bi-colored daffodils combine these meanings, often read as balanced optimism.

Jonquils are most often a deep, sunny yellow, reinforcing their association with warmth and cheer.

History and Cultural Significance

Daffodils have been cultivated for centuries and feature widely in art and literature, perhaps most famously in poetry celebrating their appearance in spring. The daffodil is also a recognized national emblem in Wales, where it is traditionally worn on Saint Davidu2019s Day at the start of March, strengthening its link to the month.

The daffodil has additionally become a symbol adopted by various charities and awareness campaigns as an emblem of hope. The jonquil, meanwhile, has long been valued in perfumery and cottage gardens for its intense fragrance, giving it a distinct cultural niche within the wider narcissus family.

Why Is the Daffodil Associated With March?

The link is both seasonal and cultural. Daffodils are among the first bulbs to bloom in early spring, so they naturally coincide with March in much of the Northern Hemisphere. Their appearance around Saint Davidu2019s Day and the start of spring reinforced the association, making the daffodil an enduring symbol of the month and of the renewal it represents.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the official birth flower for March?

The daffodil is the birth flower for March, with the jonquil, a species of narcissus, frequently named alongside it.

Are the daffodil and jonquil the same flower?

Not exactly. All jonquils are narcissi, as are daffodils, but the jonquil is a specific fragrant species within the wider daffodil family.

What does the March daffodil symbolize?

The daffodil symbolizes rebirth, renewal, hope, and new beginnings, reflecting its early spring bloom.

What color is the March birth flower?

Daffodils are most famous in yellow but also come in white and orange-cupped varieties, while jonquils are typically deep yellow.

Why is the daffodil linked to March?

Daffodils bloom in early spring and are tied to Saint Davidu2019s Day at the start of March, cementing their connection to the month.

Is it unlucky to give a single daffodil?

Folklore suggests a single daffodil may bring misfortune while a full bunch brings joy, so daffodils are traditionally given in groups.

Explore the full series in our guide to Birth Flowers by Month.

Have a Question?

What is the birth flower for March?

The birth flower for March is the daffodil (Narcissus), with the jonquil (Narcissus jonquilla) closely associated as a secondary March flower. Both belong to the Narcissus genus and bloom in early spring, symbolizing renewal, hope, and new beginnings. They are often listed together because of their close botanical relationship.

What does the daffodil symbolize as a birth flower?

The daffodil symbolizes rebirth, renewal, hope, and new beginnings, making it a fitting birth flower for March as it is one of the first blooms to appear after winter. It is also associated with good fortune, particularly when gifted as a bunch rather than a single stem. In many cultures, the daffodil represents resilience and the promise of brighter days ahead.

What is the difference between a daffodil and a jonquil?

All jonquils are daffodils, but not all daffodils are jonquils. The jonquil is a specific species within the broader Narcissus genus, recognized by its slender rush-like leaves and clusters of small, intensely fragrant yellow flowers. Standard daffodils typically have larger, trumpet-shaped blooms and broader leaves, while jonquils are prized for their powerful scent and carry additional symbolism of desire and affection.