Search

[?]

Open the Advanced Search

Tenby Daffodil

Narcissus obvallaris

Please keep in mind that it is illegal to uproot a plant without the landowner's consent and care should be taken at all times not to damage wild plants. Wild plants should never be picked for pleasure and some plants are protected by law.
For more information please download the BSBI Code of Conduct PDF document.

Contents

Plant Profile

Flowering Months:
JAN  FEB  MAR  APR  MAY  JUN  JUL  AUG  SEP  OCT  NOV  DEC
Order:
Asparagales
Family:
Amaryllidaceae (Amaryllis)
Type:
Flower
Life Cycle:
Perennial
Maximum Size:
30 centimetres tall
Habitats:
Fields, grassland, hedgerows, meadows, mountains, roadsides.

Flower:
֍
Yellow, 6 petals
 
Bright yellow, solitary flowers. The trumpets are flared open. The petals are slightly paler than the trumpet.
Fruit:
A capsule which splits open to reveal numerous black seeds.
Leaves:
A bulbous perennial with bluish-green, strap-shaped leaves. Found mostly in south-west Wales (Tenby, Dyfed).
Other Names:
Pyrenees Daffodil, Pyrenees Jonquil.
Frequency (UK):
Unusual  

Similar Species

Other Information

Summary

Narcissus obvallaris is a species of flowering plant in the family Amaryllidaceae. It is native to the Pyrenees mountains in Europe and is known for its large, fragrant flowers that are typically white or pale yellow in color. The plant is often cultivated as an ornamental and is prized for its beautiful flowers and sweet scent. Narcissus obvallaris is also known as the "Pyrenees daffodil" or "Pyrenees jonquil."

Blog

The Tenby Daffodil, also known as Narcissus obvallaris, is a species of daffodil that is native to the Tenby area in Wales. This beautiful flower is renowned for its bright yellow color and its distinctive trumpet shape, which makes it one of the most recognizable daffodils in the world.

The Tenby Daffodil is a hardy plant that is able to grow in a wide range of soil types and climates. This makes it a popular choice for gardens and parks around the world, where it is grown both for its beauty and for its sweet, slightly spicy fragrance. In Wales, the Tenby Daffodil is a symbol of spring, and is often associated with the renewal of life and the return of warm weather.

The plant is a member of the genus Narcissus, which contains over 50 species of daffodils. The species name, obvallaris, refers to the shape of the plant's leaves, which are oblong and narrow. The plant grows to a height of around 20-30 cm, and its flowers can be up to 7 cm in length. The Tenby Daffodil is typically in bloom between March and April, making it one of the earliest blooming daffodils of the year.

The Tenby Daffodil has a long and fascinating history. It is believed to have been introduced to the Tenby area by the Romans, who may have brought it from their native Mediterranean region. In the centuries that followed, the Tenby Daffodil became a symbol of the town, and was celebrated in local folklore and legends. Today, the Tenby Daffodil is still a source of pride for the town, and is celebrated each year with a festival that attracts visitors from all over the world.

The Tenby Daffodil is a beautiful and versatile plant that is loved by gardeners and nature lovers alike. Its bright yellow color and distinctive shape make it a welcome sight in gardens and parks all over the world, and its sweet fragrance adds an extra layer of charm. If you are looking for a cheerful and hardy addition to your garden, consider planting the Tenby Daffodil – you won't regret it!

In addition to its beauty and versatility, the Tenby Daffodil is also highly prized for its cultural significance. In Wales, it has long been a symbol of hope and renewal, and is closely associated with the arrival of spring and the return of warm weather. In the town of Tenby itself, the daffodil is celebrated each year with a festival that includes parades, music, and other festivities.

Another fascinating aspect of the Tenby Daffodil is its horticultural significance. As one of the earliest blooming daffodils of the year, it is an important plant for gardeners and florists, who often use it to add color and interest to gardens and floral arrangements. The plant is also highly valued by hybridizers, who have used it as a parent plant in the creation of many new daffodil cultivars.

In addition to its ornamental value, the Tenby Daffodil also has some medicinal properties. Historically, the plant was used as a remedy for a variety of ailments, including headaches, fevers, and digestive problems. While these uses are not well-supported by modern medical research, they are a testament to the long and rich history of this fascinating plant.

So, if you are looking for a beautiful and culturally significant addition to your garden, consider the Tenby Daffodil. Whether you are a seasoned gardener or just starting out, this hardy and versatile plant is sure to bring joy and beauty to your outdoor space for many years to come.

In addition to its ornamental and cultural significance, the Tenby Daffodil is also an important plant in terms of wildlife conservation. In its native habitats, it provides a valuable source of nectar for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. These insects are crucial for the health of ecosystems and for the production of crops, so the protection of daffodils like the Tenby Daffodil is essential for the health of our planet.

Another important aspect of the Tenby Daffodil is its role in horticulture. As one of the earliest blooming daffodils of the year, it provides a welcome burst of color and life after the long, dark winter months. Gardeners often plant it in large drifts in their gardens, where it provides a dramatic display of color and fragrance. In addition, its hardiness and versatility make it an excellent choice for public parks and botanical gardens, where it can be enjoyed by thousands of visitors each year.

The Tenby Daffodil is also an important part of Welsh cultural heritage. For many centuries, it has been associated with the town of Tenby and its surrounding areas, and is a symbol of the resilience and spirit of the Welsh people. Whether you are a native Welsh person or a visitor from another part of the world, the sight of these beautiful flowers in bloom is sure to evoke feelings of joy, hope, and renewal.

In conclusion, the Tenby Daffodil is a fascinating and multifaceted plant that has much to offer. Whether you appreciate it for its ornamental value, its cultural significance, or its role in wildlife conservation, this beautiful flower is sure to bring joy and beauty to your life. So, if you have the opportunity to grow the Tenby Daffodil in your own garden, take it! You won't regret it.


Distribution Map

Reproduced by kind permission of the BSBI.

Click to open an Interactive Map