Daffodils, Icons of Spring

Santa Cruz Mountains

 

During the last weeks of winter, the daffodil seems to pop up from nowhere. A sunny spot in the bleak and chilly landscape, it foretells of spring.

Arriving in many sizes and shapes, daffodils are also called jonquils, narcissus, and daffy-down-dillies, the latter coined by author Nathaniel Hawthorne.

But their cheery presence is ephemeral. The delicate blossoms, at first so robust, fade as each day passes.

Soon the daffodil's plump petals become weary. Host to many insects and delight to humankind, their work is done. Spring is here.