The ghost of golden daffodils

The flower remains the national emblem of Wales, but how many today are aware of the true Welsh or Tenby daffodil, asks David Jones

IT is springtime and roadsides, fields and gardens are spectacularly carpeted in solid yellow drifts of golden daffodils. It is particularly so in Wales, where the bloom is the nation’s emblematic flower. For generations, Welshmen and women all over the world have proudly sported the flower in their lapel to celebrate St David’s Day on March 1. Yet, for all their patriotic pride in the daffodil, most will be unaware that there is, in fact, a separate species of the flower, unique to Wales, which can lay claim to the title of the real Welsh daffodil. The Tenby daffodil (Narcissus obvallaris) is a distinct dwarf, early-flowering member of the narcissus family. It has a medium, smooth-textured and uniformly brilliant-yellow flower. Its beauty has long been recognised—indeed, E. A. Bowles, once reputed…

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Country Life (Digital) - 1 Issue, February 19, 2025

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